Concrete life newsletter

Chloride contamination in concrete, at the reinforcing steel, aggressively stimulates corrosion. How can it be arrested? Chlorides are soluble and reactive. They enter concrete via constant movement of moisture, in and out of the capillary pores. Chlorides, together with oxygen ... Read More

And you would have good reason to – concrete as a natural untreated material is porous and allows moisture migration, especially when subjected to groundwater pressure. BUT wait … what if we can waterproof the concrete itself? Basements in New ... Read More

Here are a few commonly known facts about concrete and moisture. Water is an essential ingredient of concrete. Hydration and evaporation control are fundamental to the concrete curing process – both moisture related. Concrete dries at about 25mm per month ... Read More

When it comes to concrete, there not much that says “decay” as clearly as exposed, rusting reinforcing steel. Deterioration has significantly advanced when the structure reaches the corrosion point.   Corrosion of the reinforcing steel is a part of a ... Read More

Concrete is a remarkably durable material, true. There are concrete structures dating back to Roman times, still standing … a credit to their structural engineers! But concrete is not absolutely invulnerable or indestructible. Over time, like any base building material, ... Read More

Concrete is a remarkably durable material, true. There are concrete structures still standing after hundreds of years! But concrete is not absolutely invulnerable or indestructible. And, face it, exposed concrete surfaces have a tough time.   The obvious challenges to ... Read More

The term “concrete cancer” is a broad brush phrase, usually loosely used to describe the deterioration of concrete due to corrosion of the reinforcing steel. Symptoms include corrosion stains, minor and major cracking, surface whitening, delamination and spalls. Industry professionals reading this article will ... Read More

Over recent years, discussion on the maintenance and repair of concrete structures in Australasia and elsewhere have increasingly featured the condition ‘ASR’ (Alkali Silicate Reactivity), sometimes known as ‘AAR’ (Alkali Aggregate Reactivity).   As is well known, ASR/AAR is an ... Read More

The Challenges If you’re reading this article it’s quite possible you work with concrete in some way, shape or form! And you’ll be well aware of concrete’s extensive use in construction of all types. Markham adding life to concrete You ... Read More

Concrete marine structures are at extremely high risk of steel reinforcement corrosion In Australasia, a high proportion of the population live close to the coastline. And a large number of concrete structures exist in that same zone. The closer to the ... Read More

It’s well known that strengthening concrete with steel bars results in a combination stronger than either material alone. It’s also commonly understood that concrete’s high pH (alkalinity) normally provides protection for the steel against moisture-induced corrosion. Concrete’s high pH levels ... Read More

In the context of construction, there is sometimes a tension or conflict between the short-term cost or time constraints, and the long-term durability of the structure. ‘Cutting corners’ may achieve the immediate requirements of the contractor and the client, but compromise ... Read More