How to fix exposed rebar on concrete pathway?

[sam152535]

Hi

I would appreciate some help regarding the concreating and patchwork.

Side of my house is concreated - not the main building structure but the backyard. On a section of the concrete, I can see the rebar is exposed and rusting has started. Attached the image.

Is there any option to patch it to avoid further damages?  

Thanks for your help.

Samexposed rebar

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @sam152535. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about repairing concrete.

Exposed rebar is definitely something to address promptly, as rusting rebar can damage the integrity of the concrete over time. It’s worth noting that even rebar embedded within concrete can rust, but we don’t usually see it until it reaches the surface, as is the case here. Rust causes the metal to expand, which can crack the surrounding concrete and lead to further exposure and damage.

To repair the exposed rebar, you’ll want to start by removing any loose or damaged concrete around the area. Then, clean the rebar thoroughly using a wire brush to remove rust. Applying a rust converter can help stop further corrosion. Once it’s clean, apply a concrete bonding agent to the rebar and surrounding surface, followed by a concrete patching compound to fill in the area and cover the rebar. Smoothing the patch to match the existing pathway will help the repair blend in while protecting the rebar from further exposure.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[sam152535]

Thanks @MitchellMc . Really appreciate your help.

We tried this yesterday (before I noticed your reply) after a discussion with one of the team members in my area. I didn't use the bonding agent but  Bondall 250ml Ranex Rustbuster Rust Converter was also applied. Then used the Earl's Concremate Expanding Cement .

But the problem is that overall finish is not smooth, some bubbles, and some cracks after it started the setting process. I applied on the dry concreate, and it was soon after it was mixed. We used the suggested missing ratio - 1 KG and 300 ml water. It was kind of thick. Not sure if I should have added more water 

I am thinking of leaving it there for another 3-4 days and check what happens. 🙄. Worst case scenario, I will remove and reapply.

Another team member at bunnings suggested this as well - Sika 1L High Strength Epoxy Repair Adhesive Concrete Fix Kit . Are these good, and easy to apply than Earls' (above one) ?

Thanks again for your help

[EricL]

Hello @sam152535 

I suggest giving it a few days to allow the concrete to settle. You can trim the surface using a concrete grinder if you feel that the surface patch is too high. In regards to the Sika concrete fix, I don't think it's necessary as this is just a path and I don't see a need for high strength concrete. Please remember that concrete takes a few weeks to reach maximum strength.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric