Concrete water storage tanks and concrete durability
Concrete is innately durable, and waterproof of itself if properly constructed, making it a suitable material for water storage tanks, particularly where large capacity is required.
However concrete is not invincible, and deterioration can set in due to a number of factors, including contamination introduced via the water itself. In fact, moisture-borne contamination is a very major factor in the corrosion of concrete reinforcing steel, and the resultant cracking. Unlike ‘dry’ structures, cracking is obviously a serious challenge for water storage and containment.
So – if you are responsible for the protection and maintenance of a concrete water storage structure, you will sooner or later be assessing its deterioration for repair.
Have you considered using penetrating hydrogel treatment for proactive maintenance and as part of your remediation works?
KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:
More cost-effective than membranes
- …and will not deteriorate over time.
The treatments are distinctly cost-effective, both immediately as compared to the cost of the equivalent membrane, and in the long term. MARKHAM hydrogel treatments, which do not break down over time and do not require reapplying, are extremely cost-effective in the long term.
Safer than membranes —
- Concrete hydrogel treatments are induced using waterborne colloidal silicate, which is extremely safe for both the environment and humans in the vicinity – it has no VOCs.
- MARKHAM’s hydrogel treatments have been successfully used in and around sensitive marine environments to avoid detrimental effects on the waterways.
- Concrete hydrogel treatments will not have any adverse effects on applicators or other personnel in the vicinity.
This factor makes MARKHAM hydrogels the treatment of choice for water containment structures. Overspray is not an issue, as the treatment is completely safe for the environment.
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Ease of application —
- Fast and safe, hydrogel treatments help minimise downtime.
- The treatment is ‘trafficable’ one hour after application. The process will not unduly delay other works proceeding. In certain situations, this can be a serious cost saver.
- Spray-applied hydrogel can be used on wet concrete, minimising delays.
Permanent protection and durability
- Protect the structure against chlorides and other reactants – e.g. chlorinated water.
- Protect the reinforcement zone. Arrest the corrosion cycle.
Chlorides are particularly aggressive when they approach the reinforcing steel.
Other hazardous conditions eat away at the concrete matrix itself – wastewater treatment, mining treatment plants, and soft water attack.
- CASE STUDY DOWNLOAD: Ruskin Dam, Canada
By immobilising internal moisture and preventing the ingress of contaminants, MARKHAM hydrogel treatments provide permanent protective durability.
Yes, permanent means permanent – there is no need for regular re-coating.
Compatible with other treatments
- Concrete hydrogel treatments are 100% compatible with paints and coatings designed for bare concrete.
If the tank is to be painted after remediation, hydrogel treatments will not cause any delamination or bubbling issues and will not react with the coating.
CHEAPER THAN REPLACING THE WHOLE TANK!
- One of the most significant benefits of MARKHAM hydrogel treatment is that it helps concrete last longer.
- Moisture-borne contaminants are immobilised.
- The reinforcing steel is protected.
- Adverse reactions are arrested.
- The service life of the concrete is preserved or extended.
Say no more!
Get in touch today to discuss your particular project requirements.
It’s important to understand that each structure must be assessed individually. Concrete hydrogel treatments can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments, such as cementitious spall repairs, by helping to avoid the incipient anode (or ‘halo’) effect.
Concrete hydrogel treatments can induce self-healing within the concrete for cracks up to 0.5mm. Cracks larger than this will need further treatment. Any risk of structural movement must be taken into account.
For an in-depth discussion on concrete asset protection, visit our on-demand webinar “Concrete – Waterproofing – Durability“.
