Wolter Reinold de Sitter, a 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 Concrete Hydrogels
Selected MARKHAM concrete hydrogel treatments are suitable for curing all freshly laid concrete, indoors or outdoors.
This treatment not only enhances the curing quality, but provides permanent sealing, anti-dust hardening, and all-round concrete durability.
Best of all, these treatments comply with the moisture retention requirements of Australian Standards AS3799.
We’re keen to talk to you about your concrete projects – why not get in touch?
And if you’re interested in a quick-to-apply solution that leaves a clean finish, for the construction team or the concreter, find out how we can put the power into your hands!
