Repair Options for Curled/Warped Slabs: Answer Several Questions Before Choosing the Appropriate Repair Method

When a slab surface deviates from its original shape due to differences in bottom and top moisture, it is known as warping. When deviation results from differences in bottom and top temperature, it is known as curling. Several repair options for both conditions exist, but distortional change frequency and cause must be understood in order to select the most appropriate and economical method. The authors focus on curling in the industrial concrete slab market, and discuss criteria for both industrial and covered floors. Deciding to repair curled slab is based on the determination of several factors, such as if additional joints may reduce curling, if ultimate curling has occurred, whether grinding or patching will resolve difficulties, if voids under slab edges should be filled, and if dowels are needed.