Protecting Concrete From Freeze Thaw

Concrete facts in regions where freeze thaw cycles can be severe such as here in the northeast concrete surfaces may show flaking and chipping damage known as spalling or scaling where the thin top layer pops off the concrete revealing the underlying aggregate material.

Protecting concrete from freeze thaw.

Traffic and wind borne debris erode it rust and oxidation break the structure from within freeze thaw cycles break the surface these are some of the biggest enemies of concrete and create the problems you see here. Protection while the concrete is placed consolidated and finished. A quality air entrainment system consists of a well dispersed microscopic porosity system. Concrete is one of the most durable building materials known to man but it can be vulnerable to deterioration from weather salts and the freeze thaw cycle.

Salt also lowers the freezing point of water and increases the pressure of frozen water thereby intensifying the effect of the freeze thaw cycle. Concrete damage can be ugly and costly. As penetrating sealers these products will seep deep into the concrete to structurally bond to. In lower temperatures this extra water adds additional ice to the concrete upon refreezing which adds hydraulic pressure to the.

Protect concrete from freeze thaw damage. For more information see concrete basics on page 945 of this issue or the article cold weather finishing in the november 1993 issue of concrete construction. After spending thousands maybe hundreds of thousands on. Does not affect surface bond.

Protect the concrete from freezing by external means i e blankets enclosures or heaters. Modify the mix design so the concrete will gain the necessary strength before freezing or. The important parameters include the air content and the spacing factor. The only way to prevent freeze thaw damage is to treat your concrete with a quality concrete sealer.

Positive or negative side application. Concrete mixes can be designed to resist this damage. Protect from freeze thaw damage. Entrained air bubbles are the only way to properly protect concrete from damage by freeze thaw.

Ranging from one day for high early strength concrete that is not exposed to freeze thaw events during service to 20 days or more for a concrete element that would carry large loads at an early age. That equates to a minimum of 80 freeze thaw cycles annually. When ice melts it carries approximately 10 more water than normal. Siloxa tek 8500 or siloxa tek 8505 are the best sealers to use to prevent freeze thaw damage and prevent the incursion of water into the concrete.

In structures that will carry large loads at an early age concrete must be. Spray lock concrete protection scp technology offers cost effective protection solutions that meet the demands.