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Enhancing Concrete Durability with Proper Waterproofing

Few people realize that concrete is in fact the most used man-made material in the world. Nearly three tons of concrete is used globally per person every year. Twice as much concrete is used than the total of all other building materials, including wood, steel, plastic and aluminum, and none of these other materials can replace concrete in terms of effectiveness, price and performance. As there is more than USD49 billion demand for concrete forecasted within the GCC over the next two years, the importance of mitigating the durability of concrete str uctures is becoming ever more apparent. Extensive evidence shows that concrete structures around the world are not meeting their designed service life due to rapid deterioration -most of which is caused by the transport of fluids and moisture through the concrete. How significant is concrete waterproofing to the integrity of the structure as a whole?

Much of the deterioration of concrete can only occur in the presence of water, since aggressive agents will penetrate concrete and react harmfully with the ce­ment paste only when dissolved in water. Water is a carrier and, in addition, it is i n fact required for chemi­cal reactions to occur. Creating a durable structure is more than just applying a one-size-fits-all solution and forgetting about it. To alleviate the destruction asso­ciated with water permeability,the structure must be carefully evaluated to determine the appropriate wa­terproofing solution for the structures current and future needs.

“Having a reliable waterproofing system is a vital for enhancing concrete durability”

If a structure is at high risk of water permeation,a per­manent solution is often the best decision. Reliability, and selecting the appropriate waterproofing product for projects, can mitigate the need for costly repairs or replacement down the road.This approach ca n also in­ crease the durability of the structure as a whole. Kryton International Inc’s Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) admixture is used in place of externally applied surface membranes to waterproof concrete. When combined with water and cement, KIM’s proprietary chemicals react to form millions of needle-like crys­tals, which grow to fill the capillary pores and micro­ cracks in the concrete,blocking the flow of water. As time passes, any incoming moisture causes the crys­tals to reactivate ensuring continuous waterproofing throughout the life of the concrete.Unlike other single­ function admixtures and supplementary cementitious materials, KIM is a multi-function admixture. KIM not only provides waterproofing properties but it enhanc­es the durability through controlling heat of hydration, resistance for shrinkage and shrinkage cracking and the ability to self-seal hairline cracks. Overall, to have a durable structure many factors should be combined. Durability starts with a concrete mix design properly matched to the service conditions the concrete will be exposed to. Nobody doubts that for having a durable structure, permeation of water into the concrete should be reduced. Hence,having a reliable waterproofing system is a vital for enhancing concrete durability. Appropriate specifications, and staying up to date with current technologies and re­ search,w ill support a durable structure with little need for premature repair or replacement work.

Alireza Biparva, B.Sc.,M.A.Sc
R&D Manager
Kryton International Inc.
Web: www.kryton.com

Source: Arab Water World