Location
Leeds, UK
Keywords
Physical salt attack, Surface treatments, Repair, Durability.
Abstract
Physical salt attack (PSA) is a key deterioration mechanism for concrete structures in contact with salt-rich media. Yet, procedures and techniques for protecting and repairing concrete affected by PSA are not adequately addressed in the technical literature. Therefore, in this study, three surface coatings of concrete were tested to determine their ability to withstand conditions stimulating to PSA. The treatments were selected to achieve either a single function such as acting as a membrane layer or hydrophobic agent, or combined pore blocking and water repelling functions. Coatings were applied on a concrete mixture typically used for residential foundations in Canada. Mass change was used as a measure to quantify the damage, in addition to microscopy and mineralogical analyses to elucidate the damage mechanisms. The results showed that the damage in deteriorating specimens was due to a combination of physical and chemical sulfate attacks. Also, epoxy and ethyl silicate were effective at protecting concrete from sodium sulfate damage while silane was not.
Revised Paper
Authors Response.docx (25 kB)
Authors Response
Included in
Surface Treatments for Concrete Under Physical Salt Attack
Leeds, UK
Physical salt attack (PSA) is a key deterioration mechanism for concrete structures in contact with salt-rich media. Yet, procedures and techniques for protecting and repairing concrete affected by PSA are not adequately addressed in the technical literature. Therefore, in this study, three surface coatings of concrete were tested to determine their ability to withstand conditions stimulating to PSA. The treatments were selected to achieve either a single function such as acting as a membrane layer or hydrophobic agent, or combined pore blocking and water repelling functions. Coatings were applied on a concrete mixture typically used for residential foundations in Canada. Mass change was used as a measure to quantify the damage, in addition to microscopy and mineralogical analyses to elucidate the damage mechanisms. The results showed that the damage in deteriorating specimens was due to a combination of physical and chemical sulfate attacks. Also, epoxy and ethyl silicate were effective at protecting concrete from sodium sulfate damage while silane was not.
