Remediation and protection of masonry structures with crystallising moisture blocking treatment

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of new and innovative crystallising materials, so-called moisture blockers, in protecting masonry structures from water ingress. Design/methodology/approach Two masonry wells were constructed: one with lime mortar and the other with cement-based mortar in order to hold water inside, and then a moisture blocking product was applied at dry and wet conditions to the negative hydrostatic pressure side. The moisture levels of both, the surfaces and the substrate, were then observed for 14 days. Findings Results demonstrated that moisture blocking materials are effective methods in reducing the levels of surface moisture for bricks, mortar-brick interface and mortar. Originality/value Moisture blockers use the available water in the masonry to block the passage of water to the surface of the masonry, filling pores, cracks and spaces at the interface between mortar and bricks. This approach will deliver a wider understanding of how water-based moisture blockers work and the scenarios in which they are best applied. The pursuit of possible environmentally friendly and sustainable materials for use in the construction industry is the key driver of this research.

Optimum Mix Design for Internally Integrated Concrete with Crystallizing Protective Material

“…Protective materials have been under investigation for a long time as a result of the need for adequate concrete protection against probable distresses that would develop in the future due to atmospheric and environmental conditions. A lot of materials with different properties and way of functioning were tested along the previous years, like cementitious coatings, moisture blockers, crystallising materials, and a lot more Al-Kheetan et al 2017;Al-Kheetan et al 2018c). The majority of research conducted in the 1990s and following years concentrated more on silane and siloxane based materials as they have proven their efficacy in protecting concrete and enhancing its durability (Ibrahim et al 1997;Basheer et al 1998;Ibrahim et al 1999;Zhan et al 2003;Zhan et al 2005).…”

Resistance of hydrophobic concrete with different moisture contents to advanced freeze–thaw cycles

“…In recent years, many research attempts were made to enhance the durability of concrete by either altering its composition or by using different types of additives and admixtures 4–9 . Accordingly, hydrophobic materials were used as surface impregnates to control the deterioration of concrete caused by the ingress of water and aggressive chemicals 3,10–17 . Silane and siloxane were the most commonly employed hydrophobic materials in this respect owing to their strong tolerance to various environmental effects and chemical attacks 18–24 .…”

Integration of Anhydrous Sodium Acetate (ASAc) into Concrete Pavement for Protection against Harmful Impact of Deicing Salt

“…[23][24][25][26] However, the use of solvent-based materials in these treatments, their improper performance when applied to wet surfaces, and their inconvenient application methods, especially for concrete roadways and bridges which must be closed to vehicles, have driven researchers to seek new alternate environmentally friendly materials. [27][28][29][30][31] Accordingly, water-based materials and silicon compounds have been introduced to address the disadvantages of solvent-based materials in general and of silane/siloxane in particular. 29,30 However, little research has been carried out on the internal integration of anhydrous sodium acetate (ASAc) into concrete for such protection purposes, 32 and a thorough literature search did not find any technical research discussing protection against chloride ingress using such material.…”