Protection of winter gardens constructions against corrosion caused by aqueous solution of hornbeam ash

Abstract

The use of coarse-grained concrete (porosity 3-8%) of class B 12.5 15 with water resistance of W 4 and below is widespread in the village buildings in Russia and is associated with poor quality concrete production using manual labor. Since the mid-90s of the 20th century, it has become fashionable to install cottages of greenhouses or winter gardens in the attic space, with fireplaces for heating and using wood ash as fertilizer for plants. According to the survey data, ash moistened during irrigation has bicarbonate alkalinity, slightly aggressive for concrete of this quality. Determination of the pH of the cement stone of the operated column structures was within the range of pH = 11.8-12.6, overlap pH = 9.2-9.4. The studied aqueous solution of hornbeam ash had a bicarbonate alkalinity of 0.81 mEq/dm3 and is a slightly aggressive medium for concrete of this quality. The paper provides measures to protect concrete with Penetron penetrating waterproofing.