Of course, a concrete wharf is going to be exposed to water – whether directly in the splash zone or from the water vapour of the ambient environment. And of course, concrete will withstand water exposure. After all, its innate durability is one of the reasons concrete is used so extensively in construction – including marine structures.
Having said that, we need to remember that marine environments are always going to be extremely harsh on the concrete. Concrete is porous, despite the best efforts of industry development, and moisture vapour can enter it. This moisture vapour carries contaminants – reactive chloride and sulphide ions, for example – which encourage premature deterioration of the concrete and the reinforcing steel.
Hence the need for waterproofing treatment for the deck – a horizontal surface where contaminant-laden moisture lingers.
MARKHAM recommends waterproofing with penetrating hydrogel treatments.
Hydrogel treatments IMMOBILISE moisture. This means moisture doesn’t enter, and moisture doesn’t move around. It also means the existing moisture stays, as a hydrogel, within the matrix of the concrete.
Concrete waterproofing hydrogel treatments are ideal for wharf decks, protecting against the demands of the marine environment and also against contaminants that may be brought by traffic and loads in the course of the wharf’s usage.
For NEW concrete wharf decks and elements, consider AQURON 300 waterproofing ADMIXTURE – protect the concrete from day one!
For EXISTING decks, for proactive maintenance and to arrest premature deterioration, SPRAY-APPLIED AQURON 2000 or AQURON 7000 can play a vital role.
“Do it now!” Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your concrete infrastructure assets!
