REPAIRING OF CRACKS USING

GROUTING METHOD BY EPOXY AND

ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

Submitted by
Arathi Mallempelli – CE01
Sahil Sahare – CE28
Ayush Gedam - CE36
Niranjan Kumar Pandey – CE42
Shriraj Ahirwar – CE29

Under the Guidance of

Prof. Shahrukh Qureshi

Assistant Professor
Civil Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering

J D College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur-441501

Affiliated to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere,
Raigad.

Third Year
2023-24

1
 DECLARATION

We hereby declare that the work presented in this Mini project report entitled, “Repairing
of Cracks Using Grouting Methos by Epoxy and Eco-friendly Materials” in the subject
Civil Engineering in the faculty of Science and Technology is the original contribution
carried out by us under the guidance of Prof. Shahrukh Qureshi, Civil Engineering, J D
College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur. This work has not been submitted to any
other University or Institution for the award of any degree or diploma or certificate course.

Place: Nagpur Arathi Mallempelli

Date: 25 April, 2024 Sahil Sahare
Ayush Gedam
Niranjan Kumar Pandey
Shriraj Ahirwar

2
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project report entitled, “Repairing of Cracks Using Grouting
Methos by Epoxy and Eco-friendly Materials” in the subject Civil Engineering in the
faculty of Science and Technology submitted by Arathi Mallempelli, Sahil Sahare,
Ayush Gedam, Niranjan Kumar Pandey & Shriraj Ahirwar to J D College of
Engineering and Management, Nagpur for the award of the degree of Bachelor of
Technology is a bonafide record of work carried out by them under my supervision. The
contents of this Project Report, in full or in parts, have not been submitted or published to
any other Institute or University for the award of any degree or diploma.

Prof. Shahrukh Qureshi

Civil Engineering

Forwarded to:

Prof. Tinu M. Khandale

Project Coordinator

Dr. Atika A. Ingole

Head of the Department
Civil Engineering

Dr. S. V. Sonekar
Principal

3
 CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

This is to certify that the Mini Project Report on “Repairing of Cracks Using Grouting
Methos by Epoxy and Eco-friendly Materials” is approved work done by Arathi
Mallempelli, Sahil Sahare, Ayush Gedam, Niranjan Kumar Pandey & Shriraj
Ahirwar in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Bachelor of
Technology in Civil Engineering at J D College of Engineering & Management, Nagpur
Affiliated to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Raigad during
the academic year 2023-24.

Prof. Shahrukh Qureshi Dr. Atika A. Ingole

Civil Engineering Head of the
Department

Project Examination held on 25 April, 2024

Internal Examiner/ Guide External Examiner

4
 INDEX
Title Page No.
Acknowledgement 7
List of Tables 8
Abstract 9

CONTENTS AT GLANCE

Title Page No.

1. INTRODUCTION 10
1.1 Brief Outline of Project 10
10
1.1.1 Reasons of Crack in Concrete
11
1.1.2 Scope of Study
12
1.2 Overview of Project Report
2. LITERATURE SURVEY 14
2.1 Literature Review 14
2.1.1 Research Gap 18
18
2.1.2 Problem Statement
19
2.2 Objectives
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 20

3.1 General Approach & Grout Requirement 20

21
3.2 Details of Cube Formation
21
3.3 Concrete Mix
22
3.4 Properties of Epoxy for Crack Repairing 22
3.5 Properties of Lime for Crack Repairing 22
3.6 Properties of Lime for use in Construction
4. EXPERIMENTATION/ 24

IMPLEMENTATION/
SIMULATION

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 25

5
6. SUMMARY 26

AND
CONCLUSION

6.1 Summary 26
6.2 Conclusion 27

6.3 Future 38
Scope
REFERENCES 29
ANNEXURES 30
Paper published 30
NPTEL Elite Certificate 33
Photo Gallery 34

6
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We express our sincere gratitude, for giving us the opportunity to work on the mini project
during our Third year of B.Tech. We owe our sincerest gratitude towards Dr. S . V .
S o n e k a r , Principal J D College of Engineering & Management, Nagpur, for providing the
platform and necessary facilities.
We also express our sincere gratitude towards Dr. Sanjay Haridas , Dean Academics, J D
College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, for continuous support and motivation.
The constant guidance and encouragement received from Dr. Atika Ingole, Head
Department of Civil Engineering Department, J D College of Engineering & Management,
Nagpur, has been of great help in carrying out the project work and is acknowledged with
reverential thanks.
We would like to thank Prof. Tina Khandale, Project Coordinator, J D College of
Engineering & Management, Nagpur for providing proper guidelines and continuous efforts
taken towards the completion of project.
We would like to express a deep sense of gratitude and thanks profusely to our Guide
Prof. Shahrukh Qureshi, Department of Civil Engineering, J D College of Engineering &
Management, Nagpur. Without his wise counsel and able guidance, it would have been
impossible to complete the project in this manner.
We would like to thank the members of the Departmental Research Committee for their
valuable suggestions and healthy criticism during our presentation of the work. We express
gratitude to other faculty members of Civil Engineering Department, J D College of
Engineering & Management, Nagpur, for their intellectual support throughout the course of
this work.

Arathi Mallempelli
Sahil Sahare
Ayush Gedam
Niranjan Kumar Pandey
Shriraj Ahirwar

7
 LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Title Page No.

Concrete Mix
3.3 22
As per IS 6932-1973 (Part 1 to 11, RA 2009), Building
3.6 23
Lime Physical Requirements

8
 ABSTRACT

This comprehensive project report explores various techniques and materials for repairing
cracks in concrete structures, focusing on the evaluation of lime mortar as a sustainable and
cost-effective solution. Through literature review, experimentation, and analysis, the study
addresses the critical need for long-term durability and environmental stewardship in
infrastructure maintenance. Key aspects include the properties of lime and epoxy compounds,
grouting methods, and the effectiveness of crack repair techniques. The research
systematically assesses the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of lime mortar for
crack repair, offering practical recommendations for optimizing infrastructure maintenance
practices.

Keywords: Concrete structures, Crack repair, Epoxies, Lime Mortar, Sustainability,

Durability, Infrastructure Maintenance.

9
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE PROJECT

Due to their excellent durability, which has been utilized for many years to produce a wide range
of projects from houses to bridges, concrete structures are the most often used building material.
Because of this, well-designed concrete structures composed of premium materials typically
require little upkeep or repair unless they are subjected to extremely harsh conditions [1].
Although hundreds of thousands of successful reinforced concrete structures are constructed each
year all over the world, a significant proportion of reinforced concrete structures also deteriorate,
with fractures being the most frequent occurrence of concrete deterioration. Due to internal
stresses brought on by the constituent materials' reactions to external mechanisms such thermal
expansion, overloading, constraint, chemical reactions, and their surroundings, fractures in
concrete can occur in both the plastic and hardened states [1]. Knowing the causes of cracks and
choosing repair techniques that address them are essential to doing proper crack repair; if not, the
fix might only last a short while. Effective long-term restoration techniques need to address both
the cracks' root causes and their effects [2]. This study's main goal is to test the use of epoxy and
lime compounds as a grout using grouting method to fill in cracks of cement concrete roads and
restore the integrity of a cracked member. It also emphasizes the properties of lime and epoxies,
as well as the significance of surface preparation, temperature conditioning of the substrate and
grout compounds, and changes in the rate at which epoxies and lime harden. Additionally, a
thorough documentation and interpretation of all lab tests and results on concrete cubes will be
provided [2].

1.1.1 Reasons of Cracks in Concrete [2]

Concrete cracks can be classified as appearing in either hardened concrete or flexible
concrete. The cracking of plastic concrete is linked to two types of cracks:
 Shrinkage of plastic breaking.
 Cracking of the settlement.

10
 The following factors can lead to hardened concrete cracking:
 Thermal strains.
 Chemical exchange.
 The weathering process.
 Degradation of the reinforcement.
 Shoddy building methods.
 Overloads in construction.
 Mistakes in the details and design.

1.1.2 Scope of Study [2]

Repetitive stresses can cause a crack to spread until it reaches the point where fracture
takes place and failure transpires. The longer the crack the higher the concentration of
tension brought on by it. The structure's strength is reduced as a result of the crack; it is
less than the initial strength for which it was intended. There are various techniques for
repairing cracks, one of which being "Gravity Filling" cracks with epoxy. Therefore, the
goal of this laboratory work is to use lime mortar and a low viscosity gel-type epoxy resin
system to gravity fill gaps in fractured concrete test cubes in order to restore structural
integrity and increase their compressive strength and stiffness.

11
1.2 OVERVIEW OF PROJECT REPORT

Cracks in concrete structures pose significant challenges, impacting both the structural integrity
and durability of infrastructure. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive research into
effective repair methods and materials that not only restore functionality but also ensure long-
term sustainability. This project aims to bridge existing research gaps by evaluating various crack
repair techniques, with a focus on the potential of lime-based mortars as eco-friendly and cost-
effective alternatives.

The project begins with an extensive literature review, exploring the effectiveness of different
repair methods such as epoxy injection, chemical grouting, and lime-based grouts. This review
highlights the need for comparative analyses to assess the long-term performance, durability, and
environmental impact of these techniques. Additionally, it identifies a lack of research on the
practical applications of lime-based mortars and their self-healing properties in real-world
scenarios.

Building upon this foundation, the project outlines clear objectives, including the systematic
assessment of cracks, selection of appropriate grouting materials, and establishment of guidelines
for crack repair procedures. Through experimentation and implementation, the project aims to
validate the feasibility and effectiveness of lime mortar for sustainable crack repair in concrete
roads. It also seeks to confirm the eco-friendly and cost-effective properties of lime mortar as a
grout material, offering a promising solution for infrastructure maintenance.

The research methodology encompasses both laboratory experiments and simulation studies to
assess the performance of different crack repair mixtures. By evaluating the efficacy of lime-
based mortars in comparison to conventional methods, the project aims to provide practical
recommendations for optimizing crack repair practices. This includes assessing the compatibility
of lime mortars with existing infrastructure and exploring their potential for enhancing long-term
durability.

12
The expected results of the project include validating the feasibility and effectiveness of lime
mortar for sustainable crack repair, confirming its eco-friendly and cost-effective properties, and
establishing optimized grouting methods for efficient infrastructure maintenance. Through
meticulous experimentation and analysis, the project aims to pave the way for enhanced
infrastructure maintenance practices, ensuring the longevity and safety of concrete structures.

In conclusion, this project represents a significant step towards enhancing the sustainability of
concrete infrastructure through innovative crack repair techniques. By leveraging the potential of
lime-based mortars and other eco-friendly materials, stakeholders can mitigate immediate risks
and contribute to a greener, more resilient built environment. The project also highlights future
opportunities for further research and innovation in infrastructure maintenance, driving forward
the development of resilient, eco-friendly infrastructure solutions for generations to come.

13
 2. LITERATURE SURVEY

2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1.1 Repair of Cracks on Concrete Structures (2019) [1] Cracks in concrete structures have
many causes. They can affect the appearance or indicate significant structural loads or lack of
durability. Cracks can represent the full extent of the damage or indicate serious problems. Its
importance depends on the type of structure and the type of cracking. For example, cracks that
are acceptable for buildings may not be acceptable for water retention structures. Correct crack
repair depends on knowledge of the causes and selection of repair procedures that take these
causes into account. Otherwise, the repair can only be temporary. Cracks are a typical defect that
are unavoidable in concrete. If cracks exceed the allowable widths defined in the codes of
practice, they considerably reduce the strength, stiffness and durability of the concrete structure
and therefore need to be repaired. However, many components are often needed, such as
reinforced concrete structures need repair to restore structural integrity and protect the
reinforcement Weather conditions. Different types of materials and methods are available.
Repair of protruding cracks in concrete structures. In this paper, causes of cracks, repair
materials and the repair method are been discussed. Successful long-term repair procedures must
attack the causes of the cracks as well as the cracks themselves.

Experimental study of epoxy repairing of cracks in concrete (2005) [2] Cracks in concrete
structures have always posed a big threat on the durability of concrete. Cracking of concrete is a
random process, highly variable and influenced by many factors. Among the crack repair
methods is the use of epoxy either by injection or by gravity filling in order to bond the crack
and restore its structural integrity. Prior to the use of epoxy compounds and due to their
versatility and the wide range of available physical and chemical properties of epoxy resin
systems, one has to be completely aware and informed before entering the world of epoxies;
other than crack repair, epoxy compounds have found a wide variety of uses in the concrete
industry. In this study, 15 concrete cubes, six including cracks without repair, six including
cracks bonded with gravity filled epoxy and three with no cracks were crushed and their
compressive strengths were obtained. It was found that the cracks caused a reduction in
compressive strength up to 40.93% whereas the epoxy system, when properly applied, restored
the compressive strength by decreasing the reduction down to 8.23%.

14
Development of a lime based grout for cracks repair in earthen construction (2014) [3]
The study presents the results from the development of a grouting material based on hydrated
lime with 10 addition of pozzolana, which is referred to as hydraulic lime, suitable for the
repair of cracks in a variety of 11 earthen building techniques. The goal was to develop a
material also compatible with earthen structures 12 exposed to dynamic loads. The grouting
mortar was designed to be adaptable in strength properties and at the 13 same time to have
sufficient robustness for preparation and use on the construction site. Results showed a 14
satisfactory performance of the grout concerning fresh and hardened mortar properties as well
as injectability.

Introduction of chemical grouting method for the crack repairing of pavements (2015)
[4] Crack repairing is considered a cost-effective technique in preventive maintenance,
provided that right repairing method and material are selected and properly applied. By
means of timely and effective crack repairing manners, the service life of pavement could be
increased and leads to significant cost savings for the highway management system. In this
study, a chemical grouting method that usually used in the repair of cement concrete
structures was employed and modified for the crack repairing of concrete pavements. In order
to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, in-situ experiments were
performed on several typical pavement sections with all kinds of cracks. Through long-term
observation and by comparison with the conventional crack repairing method, the chemical
grouting method was proved effective for the crack repairing of asphalt pavements, and
exhibited desirable durability under heavy traffic loads.

Ramamurthi DS and Sophia MA, in (2016) [5], they made a Review on Modified Lime
situated Tax’s – an Alternate to Cement Fees. In this exploration, the waste of lime daub in
building material has been increasingly studied due to their low negative impacts on the
environment and higher availability on the earth. In fact, this review was done to
explore the possibility of using lime mortars instead of traditional concrete, which can
be used to mitigate environmental pollution from Hyundai construction chemicals and
cement materials. As a result of reviewing the literature on lime gypsum, the following
conclusions were obtained: (1) The results obtained with the use of synthetic fibers such as
glass and polypropylene were to cultivate the mechanical action of hydraulic lime-based
15
daubs. (2) When used in lime mortar, natural fibers rise mechanical properties as per
reference grout. (3) Fiber-reinforced lime mortar can be proposed as a building material
especially used in historical monument repair due to its high compatibility with ancient
materials and durability against freeze-thaw resistance. (4) Thus, it can be concluded that
lime mortar can be a perfect substitute for cement mortar that satisfies all the desirable
properties required for construction and other technical practices when construction is added
to the inputs for further research. (5) Post-fracture behavior of lime mortar due to the hair and
fibers of various animals changes the breakage of lime mortar from brittle to quasi-ductile
behavior. (6) The self-healing property of calcareous mortar has excellent properties that
it is effective for creep and shrinkage crack.

Vasiliki Pachta, Sofia Triantafyllaki, Maria Stefanidou (2018) [6]: condense on the
quest owing to a line of lime-based daub deliberate for repair running beginning at 200
°C in 2018 and unprotected to the upper-warmth extent 1000 °C. For body casualty,
volume alteration, porosity, apparent distinctive gravity, dynamic elastic modulus,
flexural, compressive power, the physical-mechanical asset of mortar specimens were
proved before, after maintenance during 2 hours was carried out. The results show that
the lime-based mortar preserves structure and properties after exposure to high
temperatures, whereas the lime-pozzolan matrix has a much higher resistance than the
other bonded systems tested.

A study of the workability of natural hydraulic lime mortars and its influence on
strength (2008) [7]: Lime mortars are currently used for both repairs to historic buildings and
new construction. An important mortar property is workability. Lime mortars are often
described as highly workable, however, due to the many variables contributing to workability,
this is difficult to quantify. Workability largely depends on water content, and this will
greatly affect compressive and flexural strengths, which in turn will determine the overall
quality and durability of a mortar. The objective of this paper is to examine the relationship
between workability and strength of naturally hydraulic lime (NHL) mortars in order to
optimize their properties for a more efficient use in building. To this aim, mortars of several
hydraulic strengths were mixed with different water contents in order to vary flow diameters
and characterize workability. Compressive and flexural strength were then tested to measure

16
the effect of the initial flow on the strength of the hardened mortar. This paper demonstrates
that NHL 3.5 and 5 mortars require a flow value close to that of 185 mm prescribed by the
European standards whereas NHL 2 mixes require a significantly lower value. This paper
concludes that one universal flow value is inadequate when trying to optimize strength of
NHL mortars and that, in order to optimize strength, mortars should be mixed to attain a
different flow diameter for each hydraulic strength. However, other properties such as bond
strength and water retention need to be considered before unique flow diameters are
prescribed to lime mortars of different hydraulic strengths.

Compressive strength of natural hydraulic lime mortars using soft computing

techniques (2019) [8]: In recent years, natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mortars have gained
increased attention from researchers, not only as restoration materials for monuments and
historical buildings, but also as an eco-friendly material which can be used as binder to
formulate mortars for contemporary structures. In the present study, an extended database
related to NHL mortars is compiled, related to all three NHL grades (NHL5, NHL3.5, NHL2)
and soft computing techniques namely artificial neural networks (ANN) are utilized to reveal
the influence of the mortar’s mix design on mechanical strength, as well as to predict the
compressive strength of NHL mortar mixes. Influence of the binder to aggregate, water to
binder and maximum aggregate size on the compressive strength of a mortar at different
mortar ages is revealed, for the three grades of natural hydraulic lime, further highlighting
aspects of this “new” material, which has been used as a binder since antiquity.

Lime based concrete and mortar enhanced with Pozzolanic materials (2023) [9]: Lime
and lime-pozzolan-based binders are used in construction and restoration purposes for many
centuries. Later its usage was reduced due to the major consumption of Ordinary Portland
Cement (OPC). The usage of enormous cement in making concrete and mortar for
constructing buildings and heavy structures leads to the indirect emission of greenhouse gas
such as CO2 and environmental impact to earth. At this situation, use of low-carbon
alternative materials for cement is suggested for sustainable practice in concrete technology.
Hence, Lime is the only natural binder which plays a major role in achieving sustainability in
construction. Different mineral and organic admixtures can be added with lime to increase its
cementitious properties. By using these lime-pozzolan binders in construction eco-friendly,
17
affordable and durable structures can be constructed and cement usage is minimized to a great
extent. The use of lime based binders in concrete and mortar for building and restoration
applications is discussed in this paper in general terms.

Self-healing of lime based mortars (2011) [10]: Lime mortars have, up to a certain extent, a
self-healing capacity which may contribute to their durability. Self-healing in lime mortars
consists of a process of dissolution, transport and re-precipitation of calcium compounds to
heal cracks and fissures. The spontaneous occurrence of self-healing in lime-based mortars is
a well known phenomenon; to date, however, little research has been done on its occurrence
in the practice. This study aims at gaining a better understanding of the self-healing
mechanism in lime-based mortars through the investigation of case studies where self-healing
has been observed. On the basis of the results obtained the relevance of the various
controlling factors, the way in which they potentially interact, and how they affect the
occurrence of self-healing is evaluated. Lime-based mortar samples collected from several
case studies were studied. Thin sections were prepared and studied by means of Polarization
& Fluorescence Microscopy (PFM). The influence of selected parameters (moisture content,
degree of carbonation, binder sand ratio, binder type, etc.) on the nature (calcium carbonate or
calcium hydroxide) and crystal habits of the precipitated products has been investigated. The
results obtained indicate that some recurrent patterns exist in the nature and the crystal habits
of the re-precipitated products depending, among other factors, on the moisture content and
on the degree of carbonation of the mortar.

2.1.2 Research Gap

Based on the extensive literature review conducted, it is evident that various methods and
materials have been explored for crack repair in concrete structures, including the use of epoxy,
lime-based grouts, chemical grouting, and lime mortars. However, there appears to be a research
gap concerning a comparative analysis of the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of these
repair techniques. Specifically, there is a need for comprehensive studies evaluating the
durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of different crack repair methods over
extended periods. Additionally, investigations into the self-healing capacity of lime-based
mortars and their practical applications in real-world scenarios seem to be lacking. This research
aims to address these gaps by conducting a systematic evaluation of different crack repair
18
approaches and their implications for the long-term performance and sustainability of concrete
structures.

2.1.3 Problem Statement

1) Cracking has been an issue in the cement concrete roads, comprising it’s structural
integrity and posing a safety hazard for users.

2) The current utilization of epoxy-based materials presents significant drawbacks, including

restricted flexibility in application and a prohibitive cost structure.
3) These limitations hinder their widespread adoption and necessitate a critical evaluation to
identify alternative materials or methods that offer improved versatility and cost
effectiveness without compromising performance.

2.2 OBJECTIVES

1) Systematically assess cracks, select appropriate grouting materials and establish clear guidelines
and procedures.
2) Apply grouting method to cracks, monitor effectiveness, conduct cost benefit analysis and assess
safety improvements and environmental impacts.
3) Provide practical recommendations, compile project data, observation and outcomes into a
comprehensive report.

19
 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1. GENERAL APPROACH & GROUT REQUIREMENTS

Cement concrete road crack growth is a complex phenomenon driven by many different causes.
Every factor matters, from environmental factors and building techniques to material quality. In
order to reduce the likelihood of cracks, it is essential to use premium materials, follow correct
building methods, and carry out routine maintenance and repair procedures. We can make sure
that our cement concrete roads are sturdy and dependable for many years to come by taking care
of these factors. Many techniques for repairing CC road cracks have been devised and
implemented in order to address this problem. Grouting is one such technique that is becoming
more and more popular. To repair the strength and durability of the road, grouting entails
injecting certain materials typically cementitious or epoxy-based grouts into the fractures. This
technique typically includes the following steps:

3.1.1 Surface Readiness

The fracture must be completely cleaned before grouting. This usually entails cleaning the surface of the
crack of any loose dirt, debris, or pollutants.

3.1.2 Grout Selection

The width, depth, and surrounding conditions of the crack all influence the type of grout that is
selected. Cement-based grouts, epoxy resins, and polyurethane-based grouts are examples of
common grout materials.

3.1.3 Blending

Grout with a cement foundation must be mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. Grouts made of epoxy and polyurethane are typically provided pre-mixed.

3.1.4 Grout Injection

A suitable injection technique is selected in accordance with the kind and extent of the crack.
Vacuum sealing, pressure injection, and gravity feeding are examples of common techniques.

3.1.5 Ports for Injection

Injection ports are positioned at regular intervals along the crack's length for bigger cracks. These
enable grout to be injected precisely.

20
3.1.6 Injection of Grout

Starting at the lowest spot and working upward, grout is injected into the crack. This minimizes
air bubbles and guarantees that the crack is filled completely.

3.1.7 Re-injection and Monitoring (if necessary)

It's possible for the grout to settle after the first injection and leave gaps. If this occurs, more
grout could be required to guarantee full filling.

3.1.8 Curing

The grout requires time to cure and solidify after the crack has been filled. Depending on the type
of grout being used, this time frame may change.

3.1.9 Finishing and Clean Up

To keep the surface smooth and equal, any extra grout is usually scraped off or cleaned.

3.1.10 Final Inspection

A final examination is carried out once the grout has completely dried to make sure the crack has
been successfully fixed.

3.2 DETAILS OF CUBE FORMATION

The laboratory experiment calls for three different types of cubes. An ordinary cube (A) of the
first class has the following measurements: 150 x 150 x150 mm3. For the second cube (A1), a
man-made fracture will be added. There will also be an artificial crack on the third and last cube
(A2). A universal testing machine will subsequently be used to crush the concrete cubes.

3.3 CONCRETE MIX

The ready-mixed concrete mix that will be utilized has the following materials for 0.15 m3 and is
graded M40:

21
 Sr. No. Material Proportions
1. Cement 1.03 kg - 1 Cube
Density: 1440 kg/cm^3 3.09 kg – 3 Cubes
2. Sand (Fine Aggregate) 1.49 kg – 1 Cube
Density: 1.6 g/cm^3 4.47 kg – 3 Cubes
3. Coarse Aggregate 2.93 kg – 1 Cube
Density 1.7 g/cm^3 8.79 kg – 3 Cubes

Table No. 3.3 Concrete Mix

3.4 PROPERTIES OF EPOXY FOR CRACK REPAIRING

 Epoxy for crack repair:

 Excellent adhesion
 High strength
 Waterproof
 Chemical resistance
 Quick curing

3.5 PROPERTIES OF LIME FOR CRACK REPAIRING

Lime's properties for crack repair:

 High plasticity
 Self-healing capacity
 Compatibility with masonry
 Allows expansion without cracking
 Promotes carbonation for strength

3.6 PROPERTIES OF LIME FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTION

The white powdered slaked lime has a wide range of applications in construction. The properties
of lime are:

 Cementing capability– This is obtained by their carbonation with carbon dioxide. Lime is
used as lime mortar for brick masonry construction.

 Have a higher acid resistance– due to its alkaline nature.

22
  Gain Pozzolanic activity– this gives cementitious products.

 Sealing of micro cracks– This is done by the precipitation made by the calcium
carbonate when carbon dioxide passes through the lime mortar mix.

The table below shows the physical and chemical properties of lime under various classes as per
IS:4031-1968 and IS:6932-1972 Part (3 to 10).

Table 3.6 As per IS 6932-1973 (Part 1 to 11, RA 2009), Building Lime Physical
Requirements
23
24
 4. EXPERIMENTATION/ IMPLEMENTATION/ SIMULATION

4.1 EXPERIMENTAL SETUP FOR ASSESSING CRACK REPAIR MIXTURES

A hardening test was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different mixtures for crack repair.
Three containers were employed, each containing distinct mixtures.

Container 1: Housed an epoxy resin and hardener mixture, serving as the standard for
comparison.

Container 2: Contained a blend of resin and lime, aimed at investigating the potential advantages
of lime and assessing its impact on crack repair.

Container 3: Pure lime combined with hardener was independently examined to specifically
evaluate the effects of lime in crack repair without the presence of resin.

This experimental design enables a comprehensive analysis of the role of lime in crack repair,
both with and without resin, yielding valuable insights for the study.

25
26
 5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

5.1 EXPECTED RESULTS

1) Validate feasibility and effectiveness of lime mortar for sustainable crack repair in
concrete roads.
2) Confirm eco-friendly and cost-effective properties of lime mortar as a grout material.
3) Establish optimized grouting method for efficient crack repair in CC roads, ensuring
seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

27
 6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

6.1 SUMMARY

This study delves into the multifaceted realm of repairing cracks in concrete structures,
scrutinizing diverse methods and materials such as epoxy, lime-based grouts, and chemical
grouting. The research underscores the pivotal need to bridge existing research gaps, particularly
in evaluating the long-term sustainability and efficacy of these repair techniques. Through
meticulous experimentation and analysis, lime mortar emerges as a promising contender for
sustainable crack repair, offering a blend of eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness.

The investigation systematically navigates through the intricacies of crack repair, shedding light
on critical factors influencing the choice of repair materials and methods. Lime mortar, with its
notable properties like high plasticity and self-healing capacity, emerges as a frontrunner,
promising not only to address immediate repair needs but also to contribute to the longevity of
concrete structures. The study accentuates the importance of considering factors beyond mere
short-term fixes, emphasizing the significance of durability, cost-effectiveness, and
environmental impact in selecting appropriate repair solutions.

Through meticulous experimentation, the study validates lime mortar as a sustainable alternative
for crack repair, offering a compelling blend of performance and environmental stewardship. By
optimizing grouting methods and evaluating lime mortar's effectiveness, the research paves the
way for enhanced infrastructure maintenance practices, ensuring the longevity and safety of
concrete structures. The findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to infrastructure
repair, one that prioritizes sustainability and long-term viability.

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6.2 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study navigates the intricate landscape of crack repair in concrete structures,
offering insights into various repair methods and materials. Lime mortar emerges as a promising
solution, embodying the principles of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and performance. By
systematically evaluating repair techniques and materials, the research provides a solid
foundation for optimizing crack repair practices, ensuring the durability and safety of concrete
infrastructure.

The study underscores the importance of addressing not only immediate repair needs but also
long-term sustainability considerations. Lime mortar, with its unique properties and potential for
self-healing, offers a compelling solution to the challenges of crack repair. By embracing lime
mortar and other sustainable materials, infrastructure managers can not only mitigate immediate
risks but also contribute to a greener, more resilient built environment.

In essence, this research marks a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure maintenance
practices, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and long-term viability. By harnessing the
potential of lime mortar and other eco-friendly materials, stakeholders can build a future where
concrete structures stand the test of time, ensuring safety and prosperity for generations to come.

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6.3 FUTURE SCOPE

Looking ahead, there is immense potential for further exploration and innovation in the realm of
crack repair and infrastructure maintenance. Future research endeavors could delve deeper into
the practical implementation of lime mortar and other sustainable materials in real-world
scenarios, evaluating their performance over extended periods and diverse environmental
conditions.

Moreover, comparative studies could provide valuable insights into the durability and
environmental impact of different repair methods, guiding stakeholders in selecting the most
appropriate solutions for specific contexts. Integration of lime mortar with emerging
technologies, such as self-healing mechanisms and advanced monitoring systems, presents
exciting opportunities to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of crack repair practices.

Furthermore, ongoing advancements in materials science and construction techniques offer a

fertile ground for innovation in infrastructure maintenance. By fostering interdisciplinary
collaboration and embracing a holistic approach to sustainability, stakeholders can drive forward
the development of resilient, eco-friendly infrastructure solutions, ensuring the longevity and
safety of concrete structures for generations to come.

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 7. REFERNCES

Conferences
International Journal of Trend in Research and Development, Volume6 (1), ISSN: 2394-9333

Vasiliki Pachta, Sofia Triantafyllaki, Maria Stefanidou (2018).

A study of the workability of natural hydraulic lime mortars and its influence on strength (2008)

Compressive strength of natural hydraulic lime mortars using soft computing techniques (2019)

Journals
Experimental study of epoxy repairing of cracks in concrete Issa C, Debs P Construction and
Building Materials (2007) 21(1) 157-163

Introduction of chemical grouting method for the crack repairing of pavements (2015)

Experimental study of Epoxy repairing of cracks in concrete – Camille A. Issa, Paul’s Debs
(2007)

Ramamurthi DS and Sophia MA, in (2016)

Repair of Cracks on Concrete Structures Ransford Tetteh A, Liang Y International Journal of

Science and Research (IJSR) (2020) 9(4) 82-92

Books

Building Lime by Neenu S K (2016)

Lime – Practical Action (Technology Challenging Poverty)

Self-healing of lime based mortars (2011)

Development of a lime based grout for cracks repair in earthen construction (2014)

Web Links
Lime Material - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lime_(material)

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Details of Paper/s Published

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NPTEL Elite Certificate

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Photo Gallery

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 Figure No. 1 Surface Preparation Figure No. 2 Expanding Depth of Cracks

Figure No. 3 Crack Filling Figure No. 4 Finishing

Figure No. 5 & 6 Awarded for Best Paper at International Conference on Emerging Trends in Science, technology &
Management

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 Figure No. 7 Lime Figure No. 8 Mixture of Epoxy, Hardener & Lime

Figure No. 9 Mixture of Lime, Cement & Sand Figure No. 10 Mixing of Grouts

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