Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Reasons for surface coating/treatment
Examples/comments
To prevent direct
deterioration
Chemical attack
Attack by aggressive chemicals such as acids, sulphates, sugars and
fertilisers
Deterioration due to erosion/abrasion, salt crystallisation and freeze-
thaw action (surface scaling or deeper disintegration)
Physical effects
To prevent indirect
deterioration due
to reinforcement
corrosion
Loss of concrete alkalinity and steel
passivation due to the ingress of acidic
gases
Carbonation
Premature initiation of corrosion due to
ionic ingress
Ingress of chlorides in coastal environments or from de-icing salts
To limit or control
ingress/contact
Waterproofing
Barriers to liquid water that can vary widely in their resistance to
moisture vapour transmission; some systems are approved for contact
with potable water
Barriers to moisture vapour, methane, radon and acidic gases, e.g.
CO
2
, SO
2
(NO)x
Floors, walls in food processing areas, hospitals and nuclear
installations
Vapour/gas barriers
Ease of cleaning and decontamination
To enhance/maintain
appearance
Colour and texture
Building facades
Reflectance
Road tunnels and car parks
Prevention of mould growth and dirt
staining
Anti-graffiti coating/treatment
Uniformity after repair
Walls and floors
Assisting removal of graffiti
Overcoating following patch repairs
To enhance safety
Anti-slip/skid
Used with a scatter of fine aggregate on floors/roads
Anti-static/electrically conductive systems
Road/floor markings
Floor coatings in manufacturing areas
Defining specific areas by colour
