Waterproofing admixtures

The application of inhibitors on the concrete surface requires the transport of the substance to the rebar where it has to reach a sufficiently high concentration to protect the steel against corrosion or reduce the rate of the ongoing corrosion. In this context only corrosion inhibitors that prolong the service life due to chemical or electrochemical interaction with the reinforcement are considered. Any other substances that may prevent the onset of corrosion or reduce ongoing corrosion by other means, such as surface treatment (e. g. hydrophobation) or additions that reduce the porosity of the concrete (e. g. fly ash, silica fume, waterproofing admixtures, etc.), are not considered to be corrosion inhibitors and are treated in other chapters. 

They are applied on roofs, slabs on ground, basements, water-retaining structures, concrete blocks, and clay bricks. Waterproofing admixtures reduce the permeability of concrete. The dampproofing admixtures impart water repellency and reduce moisture migration by a capillary action. Examples of these admixtures are soaps and fatty acids which react with cement, conventional water reducers, methyl siliconates, etc. 

In concrete, triethanolamine accelerates set time and increases early set strength (41—43). These ate often formulated as admixtures (44), for later addition to the concrete mixtures. Compared to calcium chloride, another common set accelerator, triethanolamine is less corrosive to steel-reinforcing materials, and gives a concrete that is more resistant to creep under stress (45). Triethanolamine can also neutralize any acid in the concrete and forms a salt with chlorides. Improvement of mechanical properties, whiteness, and more even distribution of iron impurities in the mixture of portland cements, can be effected by addition of 2% triethanolamine (46). Triethanolamine bottoms and alkanolamine soaps can also be used in these type appUcations. Waterproofing or sealing concrete can be accompUshed by using formulations containing triethanolamine (47,48). 

Specifically, the improved solidification (cementation) technology involves the use of (a) a special dry powder admixture for the generation of a nonsoluble crystalline formation deep within the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete—a crystalline structure that permanently seals the concrete against the penetration or movement of water and other hazardous liquids from any direction (b) special nonmetal reinforced bars for enhancing the concrete block s tensile and compressive strengths and (c) a unique chemical crystallization treatment for the waterproofing and protection of the concrete block s surface. 

Although the variety of admixtures that are commercially available are marketed under a multitude of benefit-orientated classifications, namely waterproofers, densifiers, workability aids, etc., it is possible to categorize the basic chemicals used as shown in Table 1.1. 

When fatty-acid or wax emulsion type damp-proofers are used in conjunction with lignosulfonate or hydroxycarboxylic-based admixtures, heavy air entrainment results with attendant strength reduction. Both these effects decrease waterproofing characteristics. At higher workabilities, ligno sulfonates counteract the reduced bleeding effect obtained with waxes and increase bleeding rates [83]. 

Three items are important in the storage of admixtures, namely, the ease of identification, humidity and temperature at which they are stored. To avoid confusion between different admixtures, drums should be delivered clearly labeled as to the contents identification can be made easier by a colorant which has no influence on the concrete. Powdered admixtures are more sensitive to moisture and carbon dioxide than are Portland cements. The materials should, therefore, be packed in waterproofed bags and always stored in areas free of high relative humidity and temperature extremes to avoid condensation. Storage tanks should be vented properly, and fill nozzles and any other tank openings should be capped when not in use to avoid contamination. 

Superplasticizers 12 Damp-proofing admixtures and integral waterproofers... 

Our product lines feature high-quality concrete admixtures, specialty mortars, sealants and adhesives, silicones, damping and reinforcing materials, structural strengthening systems, industrial flooring, roofing and waterproofing systems. 

Adhesive and acoustic systems Floorings and coatings for industry, transport and sport Waterproofing systems Underground construction Concrete and mortar admixtures Repair, protection and maintenance Application equipment. 

In addition to these admixtures others have been developed, including air-entraining, waterproofing, pozzolans, superplasticizers, and pigments. 

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