Title : PROTECTIVE COATINGS FOR DURABLE CONCRETE
Authors : M N Ramesh Executive Director, Ecmas Construction Chemicals Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad, India, Email: mnramesh@ecmas.co.in
Publication : December 19-21, 2013
Volume :
Pages : 84-98
Price : 250
Abstract : Reinforced concrete is a composite material. Its structural performance is realised only when concrete and steel act in unison during the service life of the structure. The compressive and tensile loads are carried by concrete and steel respectively. Steel protects concrete from cracking under tensile loads and concrete protects steel from corrosion by providing an alkaline environment around it. So long as this happens, the reinforced concrete structures perform satisfactorily. However, various external hostile environmental substances, such as, water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, chlorides, sulphides and biological organisms are transported from the atmosphere into the concrete. These substances attack steel and concrete in different mechanisms causing premature deterioration of reinforced concrete challenging its durability resulting in premature failure of the structures. The entry of the harmful agents can be restricted and/avoided by providing the barrier surface coatings on the concrete, thus conservation of structural integrity is achieved during its service life.