Concrete Repair Solution for St John Primary School, Barrhead

Project Overview

Richardson & Starling recently carried out a series of concrete repair works at St John Primary School in Barrhead to address structural issues identified during a condition survey. Our team was brought in to deliver a long-lasting repair solution to areas suffering from spalling concrete and corroded reinforcement.

To ensure the success of this project, we used NATCEM® 35, a high-performance repair mortar known for its rapid setting time, minimal shrinkage, and exceptional durability – all key factors for a school building in daily use.

Structural Issues Identified

The building is primarily made from reinforced concrete, and over time, signs of significant deterioration had emerged. There was visible spalling on several elevations, and areas of exposed reinforcement had begun to corrode. Previous render repairs had failed, de-bonding from the substrate and allowing moisture to penetrate the structure – further accelerating damage.

Cowal Design, who were overseeing the remedial design, highlighted the need for a reliable repair material that could bond well to existing substrates without the use of primers. NATCEM® 35 was selected for its ability to meet these requirements.

Our Solution

The repair work was completed in two key phases:

• Phase 1 – Repairs to the rear elevation, including coping stones, beams, and lintels.
• Phase 2 – Works to the front, left, and right elevations, including allowances for hard-to-reach areas.

To carry out the repairs safely and effectively, our team:

• Installed tower scaffolding to provide access to affected areas.
• Removed defective concrete to expose the underlying reinforcement.
• Cleaned and assessed the steel reinforcement, replacing where necessary using H8 U-bars secured with Hilti Hit Re300 resin.
• Applied NATCEM® 35 in layers onto pre-saturated surfaces to ensure proper bonding and performance.

Why NATCEM® 35?

NATCEM® 35 was chosen for its proven performance in challenging environments. It sets quickly, bonds strongly without primers, and offers long-term resistance to further corrosion – making it an ideal solution for concrete repair projects in active public buildings.

Protecting the School’s Future

All works were completed efficiently and to the highest standards, with our operatives ensuring full compliance with the repair specification. The use of NATCEM® 35 helped streamline the repair process while delivering a robust and durable finish.

These repairs have strengthened the structural elements of the building and will help protect the school from further deterioration, ensuring a safer environment for staff and pupils.