Stadiums large and small are the scene of sporting events, rock concerts, and other mass gatherings of humanity. And of course none of the visitors is thinking about the concrete supporting the event!
If you want your stadium to last its intended service life, at minimum maintenance cost, then there are some important factors to consider for the concrete.
TRAFFIC WEAR
Some parts of a stadium will be under high foot traffic usage. Other parts may be subject to vehicles. The slab surface will, of course, tend to wear under the constant traffic, ultimately resulting in concrete dusting and reduced coverage of the reinforcing steel.
That same traffic will bring water, oil and street grime onto the paths, floors and any concrete seating. Water carries contamination deep into the concrete, setting up the factors for corrosion of the steel.
Also, that same traffic will wear away any surface coating which is applied as a surface sealer. Surface sealer coatings are supposed to be re-applied periodically even when they aren’t under traffic. It’s doubtful how often that happens in accordance with the datasheet.
For effective, permanent protection, choose MARKHAM spray-applied catalytic silica hydrogel concrete treatment.
MARKHAM spray-applied catalytic silica treatments penetrate deep into the concrete (around 150mm) and seal the porosity with anti-dust hardening.
- No surface sealer to wear away!
- No need to re-apply – ever!
- The concrete floor slab is hardened and durable for the full intended service life of the structure.
Better still, if applied at curing stage, there’s no need for a separate curing compound or time-consuming water curing. These treatments enhance concrete curing, equal or superior to 14 days’ water curing.
This treatment is a key option in our INFRA-TECT® approach.
FOOD AND DRINK
High sugar levels aren’t just unhealthy for humans. Did you know that tomato sauce, and cola drinks, are both extremely toxic for concrete? Seeping into the concrete, sugary moisture will react within the concrete, destroying the protection the reinforcing steel requires. This applies to concrete grandstands, and any concourse or pathways.
Protect the concrete by sealing the porosity.
LOOK UP!
Another place that’s often overlooked (underlooked?) is a ceiling or soffit. This may apply under grandstands or in public car parks.
Here again, INFRA-TECT® can help, by penetrating, sealing, and binding up the reactive elements within the concrete. This is a very effective anti-dust treatment for concrete ceilings.
TAKE IT TO THE TOP LEVEL
…and you get the added factor of weather exposure.
Long story short, exposed concrete such as grandstands or roof decks absolutely must be protected against the weather.
Rainwater and wind combine to wear away exposed structures at the best of times. Add in that oil and road grime we mentioned, and you’ve got a serious recipe for premature concrete decay.
Steel corrosion and internal concrete reactants cause cracking. Little cracks become big cracks, and big cracks kill concrete.
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Here’s where the TOP-TECT® waterproofing system comes into play.
This three-part system completely removes the need for a membrane and consists of
- Hydrogel waterproofing admixture
- Spray-applied penetrating treatment
- Delayed-swell water stop for joints and penetrations
A complete waterproofing system, ideal for roof slabs and other exposed structural elements.
And by the way, it also suits basements. But, in a way, that’s another story.
EXTRA CREDITS
A frequently asked question we hear is “Is this treatment compatible with line marking or epoxy coatings?” YES.
So – if you’re designing or constructing a stadium (or a basement for that matter) why not get in touch? Let’s see how we can help make your concrete stronger and last longer. And probably save you some time and money along the way.
Photo credit:
Yarrow Stadium via Wikimedia Commons
Kardinia Park Photo by Daniel Anthony on Unsplash
