Wolter Reinold de Sitter, part-time Professor in the design of structures in concrete at the Eindhoven University of Technology, proposed a Law of Fives for structural concrete maintenance. There are various English versions extant, but fundamentally the Law reads as follows:
The life of a concrete structure, with respect to durability, can be divided into four phases:
Phase A: Design, construction and concrete curing
Phase B: Corrosion initiation processes are underway, but the propagation of damage has not yet begun
Phase C: Propagating deterioration has just begun
Phase D: Propagation of corrosion is advanced, with extensive damage manifesting
$1 extra spent at Phase A is equivalent to saving $5 at Phase B, $25 at Phase C, or $125 at Phase D.
Now think about that – a little extra investment at the design, construction and curing phase will reduce long-term expenses. There’s a catch here: are all the parties involved in Phase A genuinely interested in the structure’s survival at Phase D? If short-term cost-saving or time-saving is a primary motivation when the structure is being built, long-term durability will inevitably suffer.
So – is there some small investment we can make at the construction Phase which will greatly benefit the long-term durability?
There’s one key thing that MARKHAM can assist with, and that’s the curing process. Improved curing quality will drive improved strength, impermeability and long-term durability.
- Improve hydration
- Reduce shrinkage cracking
- Reduce concrete dusting
Meet CONQOR 3799!
CONQOR 3799 is suitable for curing all freshly laid concrete, either smooth or textured, indoors or outdoors.
CONQOR 3799 begins to break down after 7 days and, if applied at the specified application rates, will totally oxidise and leave the surface, subject to UV exposure, within 45-55 days of the application. This reduces the need for surface cleaning in preparation for after-trades.
Best of all, CONQOR 3799 complies with Australian Standards AS3799.
We’re keen to talk to you about your concrete projects – why not get in touch?
