Applying any material to an existing concrete surface intrinsically entails the development of a bond. Considering the ever increasing importance of concrete repair and protection, which imply the creation of an interface between two materials, an improved knowledge of concrete surface characteristics is paramount.

Surface engineering, which has evolved from the world of metallurgy, addresses all surface-related considerations, notably adhesion. It provides a fundamental understanding of what will make the contact between two materials effective or not, allowing for interactions of...