De-icing salt and concrete

The most direct and fastest method to melt ice in winter is salt and Every year many outdoor pavements are ruined by the use of de-icing salts which They are widely used because they are certainly an economical solution for the prevention of the formation of dangerous sheets of ice and consequent slipping hazards.

Not everyone is aware that de-icing salts are one of the worst enemies of concrete floors and can cause enormous damage not only superficially but also deeply to the existing reinforcements; the salts are CHLORIDES and can be Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂) or Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

Chlorides, both sodium and calcium, cause damage to concrete structures and floors. Calcium chloride (CaCl₂), penetrating the concrete, reacts with free lime in the form of calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)₂), developed during the reaction of water with cement, resulting in the formation of hydrated calcium oxychloride (3CaO∙CaCl₂∙15H₂O). Sodium chloride (NaCl) can trigger the so-called “alkali-aggregate reaction” between sodium and potassium, present in cement, and amorphous silica if it is present in the aggregates. The alkali-aggregate reaction can create a strong expansion and serious deterioration of concrete structures. This happens with some types of aggregates that contain reactive silica, which reacts with two alkalis, Potassium and Sodium, contained in cement. The alkali-aggregate reaction occurs when it is triggered in the cortical part of the concrete, showing micro or macro-cracks on its surface, or by raising a small portion of concrete above the reactive siliceous aggregate (pop-out).

Is there a solution/prevention?

Yes it is It is possible to prevent the above by treating superficially with HYDRO BARRIER 244 product specially formulated for the protection of concrete surfaces:

 HYDRO BARRIER 244 it is a solvent-free treatment, with active ingredient 100%, capable of penetrating deeper than traditional silane and siloxane protectors, whether in solvent or water-based systems. HYDRO BARRIER 244 creates a transparent, non-filming, non-yellowing, fully breathable protection. It penetrates the substrate and chemically bonds with silica creating a deep hydrophobic layer that prevents water, contaminants and chlorides from entering the substrate and causing its deterioration.

Combining a low surface tension with a reaction HYDRO BARRIER 244 It is able to move through the moisture layer that delimits the pore structure of the substrate, this allows the development of uniform gradient penetrations, therefore a constant level of protection throughout the penetration depth.

HYDRO BARRIER 244 It is suitable for use on cast-in-place, precast, concrete, GFRC, to protect reinforcing steel from corrosion due to the effects of water, runoff salts and other contaminants. It alleviates deterioration of concrete due to silica-alkali reactivity.

HYDRO BARRIER 244 It is ideal for the protection of surfaces of:

STRUCTURES SUBJECTED TO TREATMENT WITH DE-ICING SALTS such as pavements, yards, concrete roads

STRUCTURES INDIRECTLY EXPOSED TO DE-ICING SALTS such as covered parking lots, road tunnels and New Jersey-type road and motorway barriers

MARINE STRUCTURES such as harbour docks, piers, dry docks, offshore structures

Advantages of using hydrophobic protector HYDRO BARRIER 244 

• The system is breathable to water vapor;
• Significantly reduces the amount of water entering the substrate;
• Mitigation of AAR and ASR deterioration;
• Deep penetration into the substrate;
• No change in surface appearance;
• High resistance to alkaline attack;
• Long service life;
• Excellent performance on wearing surfaces;
• Quick drying time after application (one hour);
• Keeps treated substrates cleaner;
• It is particularly suitable for water-repellent impregnation of mineral building materials in outdoor areas;
• Significantly reduces the absorption of water and soluble salts (e.g. chlorides);
• Protects fine cracks up to 0.3 mm;
• It comes ready to use.