Resin injection for structural repair: A comparative study between epoxy and polyurethane

Abstract

Pathological changes in structures are increasing, and precise diagnosis and treatment are needed to restore their lifespan. This work provides a thorough review of the causes, origins, and treatments for structural cracking, focusing on crack injection using epoxy and polyurethane resins. The research aims to understand the properties of these materials to ensure effective application in specific situations. A bibliographic, qualitative, and quantitative approach was used, with a descriptive and comparative analysis of both resins in structural repairs. The study did not include field data collection, relying only on literature sources. Results show that epoxy resin is best for deep, passive cracks at temperatures up to 70°C. Polyurethane resins are recommended for wet or water-contact cracks, especially if they are active, thin, and not temperature-dependent. Both resins are easy to apply and effective for structural repairs, enhancing resistance and preventing new issues.

Keywords: Epoxy resin; Polyurethane resin; Crack injection; Pathological manifestations.