KINGSDOWN SCHOOL

Project Overview

MPS Concrete Solutions were engaged to carry out structural concrete repair and render reinstatement across the exterior envelope of a secondary school in Swindon.

The building presented widespread spalling and cracking across rendered columns, window cills, parapets and external wall panels spanning multiple elevations. Corrosion of embedded reinforcement was confirmed at numerous locations, with carbonation visible where render cover had been lost. The programme ran across seven working days between 28 July and 19 August 2025, with works carried out using scissor lifts and cherry pickers to access upper elevations. All works were completed whilst the building remained occupied and operational.

The Challenge

The building presented deterioration across a significant number of discrete locations, many of which required access at height. Spalling had progressed to expose reinforcement in several columns, with corrosion staining evident. Cracked render and delaminating sections posed a risk of falling material. Works were phased to maintain safe pedestrian access across the site throughout.

The MPS Solution

MPS operatives followed a consistent repair sequence across all locations: breakout of damaged render and concrete, cleaning of any exposed steelwork, application of corrosion-inhibiting treatment, and reinstatement using structural repair mortar to achieve a smooth, level finish. Works were completed in a logical sequence across elevations, with each visit targeting a defined set of reference numbers.

Materials & Method

Primary repair mortar: structural repair mortar (cementitious, polymer-modified), applied by hand to produce a smooth, level finish flush with adjacent surfaces. Bonding agent applied at all interfaces. Total material usage in excess of 200 kg across the programme. All materials specified and applied in accordance with manufacturer guidance.

Outcomes

All identified repair zones were addressed within the planned programme. Exposed reinforcement was cleaned and treated prior to reinstatement, arresting the active corrosion mechanism and preventing further deterioration of the concrete cover. The finished repairs were inspected on completion of each visit, with post-repair condition recorded as satisfactory. The completed works restore the structural and weathertight integrity of the external envelope across the affected elevations.

• ✓Reinforcement protected — corroding steels cleaned and treated at all exposed locations prior to mortar reinstatement.
• ✓Structural render reinstated — polymer-modified structural mortar applied to restore cover depth and surface integrity.
• ✓Over 350 locations repaired — discrete repair zones across columns, cills, parapets and wall panels, all recorded on site sheets.
• ✓Zero access disruption — full programme delivered without loss of pedestrian access or interruption to building operations.