Concrete structures are more often than not exposed to many kinds of environments that can affect their quality, requiring high-quality systems to protect them.
Reinforced concrete structures are supposed to offer maximum longevity so that they can last for generations.
However, concrete often comes into contact with many threats to its condition with natural deterioration, damage and corrosion.
FREEZE/THAW
The freeze-thaw process is a common cause of stress in concrete because of the free water expansion in the capillary pores when conditions are freezing outside.
As a result, it can cause in-surface scaling if the quality of the concrete is poor and the deterioration process can be massively accelerated by chlorides in the water that comes into contact with the concrete.
FIRE EXPOSURE
Fire exposure can be another big cause of concrete damage and deterioration.
Prevention is possible though, you can use special intumescent coatings to protect concrete structures from fire damage.
Using the right coatings used will deter the intensity of fire and offer protection, some structures will have these coatings as standard like tunnels, and other high volume concrete structures.
CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
Structures that are exposed to chemicals can really suffer if the concrete is not correctly coated.
Chemical attacks on concrete structures are a big concern for chemical plants, waste water treatment plants and sewer systems, so it’s important that coatings are used for maximum protection to improve the longevity of the concrete.
DIVERSE TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
A very common cause of deterioration to almost every type of concrete structure is wide variation of temperatures from day to night and with season changes.
These constant cycles of changing temperature can result in thermal stress and movement in the structure of the concrete that can cause serious deterioration and cracks if not taken care of.