Test by Harvard University have proven “…The interaction of particulate matter and aerosol compounds with construction materials in urban areas causes rapid decay…”

Why is concrete surface protection important?

Commonly Affected Areas: Coastal regions and high-traffic environments, including highways, tunnels, and car parks, are particularly prone to carbonation.

The process of carbonation is natural and cannot be avoided when concrete is exposed to the environment.

Concrete has a high pH level which creates a protective layer on the surface of the embedded reinforcing steel rods, preventing or minimising corrosion. However, unprotected concrete will over time be affected by the environmental stresses it is exposed to.

Moisture, microbes, and chemicals like carbon dioxide enter the pores of the concrete and react, causing a loss of alkalinity and eventually leading to corrosion of the steel reinforcement.

This rust buildup causes tensile stresses and puts pressure on the concrete, resulting in cracks near the steel. Over time, these cracks will become more extensive, leading to spalling of concrete, and exposing the corroded steel rods., which can compromise the structural integrity of the concrete.

Three conditions must exist for reinforcing steel to corrode:

• The passivation of the steel must have been destroyed by chlorides or by carbonation.
• The presence of moisture as an electrolyte.
• The presence of oxygen.

The Role of Anti-Carbonation Coatings:

To enhance the longevity of concrete structures, preventative measures are crucial. While optimal protection ideally begins during design and construction, there are a great number of formidable solutions available for existing concrete and masonry structures. Among these, high-quality anti-carbonation coating systems stand out. These coatings provide a barrier against carbonation, weathering, corrosion, abrasion, chemical attacks, and biological growth, extending the life of the concrete.

• Cost-Efficiency: By preventing carbonation-induced deterioration, your maintenance expenses are substantially lowered, enabling you to allocate resources more effectively, perhaps towards growth opportunities. It significantly reduces maintenance expenses compared to conducting concrete repairs after damage occurs. The upfront cost of installing these coatings is a fraction of the expense involved in extensive repairs to the same square meter. Secondly, the decreased need for repairs results in lower resource consumption, aligning with environmentally-conscious practices and appealing to stakeholders who prioritise sustainability.

• Environmental Stewardship: With the reduction in extensive repair requirements, the consumption of resources is lowered, translating into a greener and more sustainable operation that resonates positively with environmentally conscious consumers and stakeholders.

Case Example: Anti-Carbonation Coating for Shopping Centre Car Park Walls

Elevating Infrastructure Longevity: A shopping centre’s car park serves as the gateway to retail experiences. However, this high-traffic area is vulnerable to the impact of carbonation and concrete deteriorating exposure, as well as water ingress through the pile wall joints. Our leak sealing and concrete repair specialists sealed the water ingress by injecting a high-quality resin into the joints and created a durable 3D waterproof, flexible seal within the concrete piles, effectively stopping any water intrusion in the treated areas. The engineer specified an anti-carbonation coating system that forms an effective defence shield on other concrete walls, ensuring the prolonged lifespan of the car park concrete wall structure.

A real-world example illustrates the installation of anti-carbonation protective coatings.

Image: During work, installing anti-carbonation coating to car park concrete walls by Waterstop Solutions.

To help existing concrete resist the effect of carbonation, weathering, corrosion, abrasion, chemical attack, fungal and algae growth, a high-quality protective anti-carbonation coating system may be just what you are looking for.

We can assist with selecting and installing a wide range of concrete and masonry coatings, penetrating water repellents, hardener densifiers, trafficable coatings, anti-slip safety coatings, chemical floor bunding, waterproofing systems for external and/or internal applications.