Pioneering Solutions for Combating Combined Deterioration Mechanisms

Deterioration mechanisms pose a significant challenge to the durability, serviceability, and safety of concrete structures. Hence, proper protection is essential to combat potential deterioration issues effectively. However, it is important to note that concrete structures are often exposed to multiple deterioration mechanisms simultaneously, which enhances the importance in searching efficient methods to protect the structures against all of these mechanisms. Since water is a common factor in many deterioration mechanisms, minimizing moisture in concrete and implementing proper waterproofing measures can be a reliable way to protect concrete. In this paper, we summarize several studies investigating the effects of a hydrophilic crystalline waterproofing admixture (CA) on concrete performance concerning corrosion, freeze-thaw cycles (FT), and alkali-silica reaction (ASR). The admixture was added during the concrete production, and the concrete specimens were examined using various test methods to evaluate their performance under different conditions. The research studies results showed that the investigated waterproofing admixture provided significant protection against corrosion by reducing its rate and preventing the initiation and propagation of corrosion-induced cracks, ultimately increasing the service life of the structures. The admixture also improved the FT resistance of concrete by reducing the damage caused by repeated freezing and thawing cycles. Additionally, the admixture could minimize ASR development, a major cause of concrete deterioration in many regions.