Protection of Concrete Structures: Performance Analysis of Different Commercial Products and Systems

Abstract

The increasing demand for reconstructions of concrete structures and the wide availability on the market of surface protective products and systems could lead to misunderstandings in the decision of the most effective solution. Surface protectors have become increasingly widespread in recent years in concrete restoration interventions thanks to their properties: they are able to protect the substrate from aggressive agents and consequently extend the useful life of the structures. The aim of this article is first of all to present the surface protective treatments available on the market, outlining their strengths and weaknesses. Subsequently, a characterization of seven different commercial coatings for reinforced-concrete structures is provided, taking into account chemical nature, fields of use and effectiveness, both in terms of physic and elastic performance and resistance to aggressive agents that undermine the durability of the treated concrete elements.

An analysis of the potential for improving cement efficiency through functionally graded concrete elements with durability-driven concrete specification

“…Studies indicate that there is strong potential for durability improvements with use of an FGC durability layer. For example, a surface layer of cementitious or polymeric material has been shown to be effective in improving durability against carbonation [20], permeability and crack-bridging performance [21], and chloride ion penetration [22], [23].…”

Effect of Modified Tetraethyl Orthosilicate Surface Treatment Agents on the Permeability of Airport Pavement Concrete

“…Surface treatment is an economically feasible, simple, and effective method that can effectively improve the permeability of concrete [13][14][15][16][17]. In recent years, tetraethyl orthosilicate has been increasingly used for the surface treatment of cementitious materials, and good results have been achieved.…”

The Assessment of Strength of Cementitious Materials Impregnated Using Hydrophobic Agents Based on Near-Surface Hardness Measurements

“…Impregnation with hydrophobic agents are, according to the standard [ 31 ], on of the three surface protection treatments. Hydrophobic impregnation is most often based on silanes or siloxanes, small particles, thanks to which it is able to easily penetrate the pores and reduce surface tension concrete [ 32 ]. First, the silane hydrolysis reacts with water or water vapor, and the silanol molecules then condense into silicone, which react with the hydroxyl group.…”