15 Concrete Reasons...

Heads-up - this isn't a very catchy article. Further to my '5 Reasons' piece in March, we're going to plunge into more detail on penetrating hydrogels for concrete. We'll focus on a multi-part treatment system called AQURON 7000, and why should you use it on existing reinforced concrete.

You're still with me? That's great, I can't believe it! Yes, yes, concrete's a rather solid subject!

Protecting concrete, and particularly preserving the service life of older structures, is a massive industry. When replacement costs are very high (and sometimes funding becomes a political tool), it becomes necessary to focus on extending the life of the existing structure. This is an area where penetrating hydrogels really stand out - cost-effective, minimal disruption to the structure's use, and long-lasting.

Before we go further, you may like to look at how hydrogel works, and a discussion piece on the significance of concrete impermeability.

So - What is Aquron 7000 and why is it so great for concrete?

Aquron 7000 is a two-part penetrating hydrogel treatment, designed to be a key part of preservation or remediation strategies for existing concrete. Aquron 7000 can be used to assist repair works, and help the results last longer. Aquron 7000 is also ideal for pro-active maintenance, helping to enhance planned service life of concrete structures.

Here are 15 concrete reasons to use it!

1: Eliminates moisture migration – the transport system for corrosion. Free moisture in concrete carries the contaminants that instigate and feed steel corrosion. Aquron treatment immobilises this moisture … and the contaminants!

2: Development of AAR-ASR, DEF & Sulphate Expansions are arrested. Immobilising the moisture starves processes such as Alkali Reactivity (AAR&ASR), Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF) & Sulphate expansion that develop & damage reinforced concrete structures.

3: Limits the availability of Oxygen – which is the fuel of corrosion. Oxygen is one of the "contaminants" which fuels corrosion, and is carried into the concrete by moisture and moisture vapour. Arrest the supply of moisture-borne Oxygen = Halt corrosion and incipient anode development.

4: Chloride ingress is prevented – long-term protection. Chlorides are a key contributor to the concrete degeneration process. Marine environments are particularly high in moisture-borne chlorides. Chloride ingress in new concrete is prevented by Aquron hydrogel and further ingress into existing concrete is eliminated.

5: Binds and purges existing chlorides – that aggravate corrosion. Chlorides are attracted into the Aquron hydrogel and are bound and or re-positioned / purged. As a result there is no electrolyte available to assist the corrosion process.

This is an important point, and shows Aquron’s particular value for existing at-risk structures.

6: Increases Resistivity of concrete – decreases galvanic activities. Aquron’s hydrogel state has virtually no conductivity and cannot support galvanic activities = HIGH RESISTIVITY.

7: Increases Steel Surface Passivation – adding resistance to corrosion. Steel surface passivation is increased by Aquron 7000's corrosion inhibitor component which consistently penetrates through the concrete to arrest corrosion of embedded reinforcing steel. Protects embedded steel in new concrete and arrests corrosion of existing deteriorated reinforced concrete structures.

8: Enhances Concrete Strength – enhances hydration in new concrete. Aquron hydrogel ensures new concrete completely hydrates, and reignites the hydration process of any unreacted cement in aged existing structures.

9: Overcomes Incipient Anode Formation – preventing costly remedials. Concrete repairs and patching may often be followed by rapid deterioration of neighbouring concrete, caused by a process called Incipient Anode Formation. Incipient Anode Formation is dependent on free moisture, oxygen availability and conductivity within the concrete. Aquron treatment eliminates these factors.

10: Prevents Carbonation – protects the concrete surface. Aquron hydrogel eliminates the damage from gases such as carbon dioxide which dissolve to form corrosive acidic conditions within the concrete matrix.

11: Waterborne solution and 100% VOC Free – Aquron is a more environmentally friendly option for protecting concrete structures, compared to solvent based products. All Aquron treatments are environmentally neutral enabling their safe use in sensitive zones.

12: Proven – 25 Year Track Record. Proven to provide long-term protection on wharves, seawalls, bridges and structures exposed to chlorides from seawater and sea spray. Aquron has also been proven to efficiently protect car park structures against de-icing salt brines which are much more concentrated than seawater.

Ask to see some key case studies!

13: Extends durability of reinforced concrete structures – unique answer to protect concrete assets. Extends the durability and service life of concrete structures.

Let’s talk about pro-active maintenance for long-term cost saving!

14: Achieves economic savings – adds life value to high cost concrete assets. All of these factors mean that Aquron is a maintenance cost which is ideally applied early, before remedials become essential. Net present value (NPV) Projections comparing Aquron vs repetitive remedials show significant cost/benefits of the early expenditure of applying Aquron 7000 System.

15: Warranted performance – Markham stands behind long-term project-specific guarantees.

Sounds interesting?

Aquron 7000 is an amazing system, and ideal as part of your proactive maintenance protection for concrete infrastructure. Do it now! Get in touch with us today to discuss the concrete structures in your care.

NOTE: There are a number of different treatments in the Aquron family, for a variety of concrete needs and stages. We recommend you contact us to discuss your particular structure or project in detail. Check out our webpage "What Works Where and What Doesn't".

"Aquron" is a brand name of Aquron Corporation, TX