Concrete and Metal Protection

The high cost of concrete repair has prompted increased attention on means of protecting reinforcing steel, particularly in bridge decks, parking structures, and marine structures, exposed to chlorides, and chemical manufacturing plants, exposed to various chemical reagents. The highly alkaline environment of concrete creates a tightly-adhering film that passivates steel, protecting it from corrosion. Exposure of reinforced steel to chlorides is the major cause of corrosion. Carbonation, a slow process that reduces the alkalinity of concrete that can occur in the absence of chloride ions, is another cause of corrosion.

Various remedial measures have been proven effective long term in controlling corrosion on existing structures, with criteria and guidelines clearly established. Holderchem can assist in the assessment of the causes and effects of the damage, and in the selection of the right concrete refurbishment solution in accordance with European standard EN 1504. It supplies a range of reactive coatings to protect concrete against aggressive atmospheric influences including polyurethane systems and epoxy resin systems combined with lightfast UV resistant polyurethane top coatings to provide UV light exposure resistance.