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Recognizing Distressed Concrete Tank Walls

Recognizing Distressed Concrete Tank Walls

"The Key to Preventative Maintenance and Longevity"

Visual inspection of any concrete surface will evidence signs of deleterious conditions that shorten the life cycle of the structure and require unscheduled maintenance. It is imperative to note obvious surface defects and bring them to the attention of the party responsible for their upkeep. This document is designed to familiarize personnel with basic information concerning the degradation of concrete in this environment and offer an understanding of the cause of some of the observed conditions.

How to Tell If Concrete Is Degrading?

The tank pictured in this article is only nine years old and is a two million gallon clarifier vessel in service at a wastewater treatment plant in the Southeastern U.S. The conditions observed require immediate attention to correct these deficiencies before they become a more serious problem to the owner. Brief explanations and comments are included to identify the causes of the defects noted. This particular tank was constructed using pneumatically applied concrete; however, these same conditions are experienced in pump and pour structures as well.


Brownish Discoloration

The first and most apparent sign of a problem is the brownish discoloration to the painted white surface of the tank indicating that contaminates on the surface are either leaching through the coating or being deposited on the surface from atmospheric sources. Note that the discoloration is most prevalent on the lower 1/2 to 2/3rds of the wall. This is an indication that the high moisture content of this concrete matrix exists in the lower wall levels due to gravity causing the moisture to wick down the wall interior and migrate out through the coating to discolor the surfaces. Another confirmation of this condition is a more pronounced concentration of stain at Micro-Crack locations at these lower wall levels.


Contaminants and Chemistry

No information was available concerning ASTM C642 Testing (Boiled Water Absorption) that may have been accomplished when this tank was constructed, however, it is noted the applied coating is allowing moisture migration out to the atmosphere and conversely permitting contaminates to enter the matrix in the same manner. The tank wall substrate is not waterproofed and is responsible for contaminates and chemistry to migrate in and out of the structure. This is evident by noting that the wall surface facing to the East is more discolored than others. The rising sun and associated heat promote a cyclic wet-dry condition every day. As the surface heats, moisture within the wall evaporates from the surface and as it cools down humidity and rains are being absorbed back into the substrate. This free transfer of moisture allows airborne contaminants to migrate inward and internal chemistry of the concrete to migrate out where it reacts to form a host of unwanted surface conditions.


Efflorescence Formation

Efflorescence formations at several locations demonstrate a more active outward migration at Micro-Crack or Hydraulic Stress Fractures. Hydraulic action of filling a tank such as this will result in larger voids than shrinkage or curing cracks and offer an easier path for this outward migration if the substrate has not been waterproofed. A photograph of the tank wall top surface demonstrates vapor emissions to the vertical surfaces below. A larger crack or void carries more internal chemistry and moisture to these cracks where it is able to react freely with the atmosphere.


Spalling & Steel Corrosion

Embedded steel has begun to corrode at several locations causing spalling activity and rust stains to bleed through the coating creating a clear picture of the exact wire placement and areas of more advanced corrosion cell activity. In some areas, the corrosion has advanced to the point that the volume of rust has pushed the concrete away from the steel to the extent complete disbandment of the concrete has occurred. These “Pop-Out” areas are readily visible to the untrained eye whereas the other horizontal stained areas are showing the early stages of rust bleed through. A concrete surface without waterproofing and or a reliable coating will allow this staining pattern to give an early indication of the corrosion taking place inside the matrix. A prescription for a mitigation or repair strategy should be implemented at the first sign of these conditions.

Samples of spalled concrete taken from the “Pop-Out” areas revealed severe carbonation at the depth of the steel and a pH of 5 at these levels. The passivating layer on this steel has been compromised with these low pH levels allowing corrosion cells to form on the steel surfaces. Left untreated the corrosion, at this stage will advance rapidly requiring a more extensive repair/mitigation program. To compound these problems, pulverized samples from the “Pop-Out” areas also indicated unmeasured amounts of Sulfuric Acid in the samples. (Samples Not of a Volume to Allow Quantified Testing parameters)


Sulfuric Acid Contaminates

It is believed that Sulfuric Acid contaminates have been induced to these porous surfaces that were not waterproofed prior to a cosmetic coating being applied. Two digesters are located upwind of this tank allowing Hydrogen Sulfide to be wind-driven to the tank wall where it is absorbed into this substrate exacerbating an already low pH caused by carbonation. Depth of cover issues, pervious substrate and the lack of a protective waterproofing system all play a role in the premature corrosion of the tank.


Concrete Repairs & Restoration

Early recognition of conditions such as this will allow for preventative steps to halt the corrosion and restore the concrete to a near new condition, thus avoiding a more complex and expensive repair. In this case, the concrete in the obvious areas of corrosion of steel will require removal. Steps to restore pH levels to above 12 should be taken in order to reestablish the passivating layer on the embedded steel members. Realkalization could be in the form of electrochemical treatment or a wash to the surface. Post-treatment pH testing should be accomplished prior to further work on the surface profiles. Patching or placement of shotcrete should be accomplished to allow sufficient depth of cover to offer protection against future corrosion cell formation.


Waterproofing Concrete

Waterproofing this tank wall should be a priority after the repairs are complete. This will serve to reduce moisture and oxygen available to the concrete matrix. [Two of the essentials for corrosion cell formation]. A waterproofed surface will not show signs of chemical migration out to the surface and will prevent moisture/contaminate intrusion as well as Carbonation of the restored surface.

Protection of concrete surfaces by waterproofing them is the most cost-effective means of corrosion control. If we expect to obtain the maximum design life of a concrete structure, an understanding of the degradation process is a must.

For more information, please contact us.


 

VOC Test Documentation Now Available

ASTM D 3960 test for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).

Please view this attached guide to see results.

StableCrete has completed the most recent testing for the VOC content of the product that we have been recommending for years. This is the third and final test we have performed to ensure the unquestionable accuracy of the test regimen.

Test results have ranged from 11.67, 12.03, to a high of 13.00 g/Liter. We have chosen to publish the “Extremely Low” VOC Content of 13.00 g/L in all of our future test data and MSDS materials.

In addition to continuing to provide your customers with the same quality product you have known for years, you will now be able to offer yet another benefit to preserving a concrete structure using StableCrete.

A StableCrete treated concrete will continue to have, Extended Service Life, Improved Coating Adhesion and a Lower Life Cycle Cost. This has not changed!

This testing will allow for the inclusion of a project for L.E.E.D Certification. Points may be obtained in MR [Material Resources] and I.E.Q. [Indoor Environmental Quality] with proper documentation and submittal. Additional points may be awarded in the I.D. [Innovation in Design] category. This is applicable to New Construction, Existing Building, Core & Shell as well as Commercial Interior in the Rating Systems.

We recognize the complexities in preparing the “Credit Interpretation Request” (CIR), when utilizing an Innovation in Design submittal. ConselcoR Inc. is available for consults to assist in drafting your CIR documents. This FREE consult will remain available until project volumes exceed our capacity.

As in the past, ConselcoR Inc. will continue to consult with estimators and specifiers of StableCrete for all product uses, LEED or otherwise.

In the coming weeks, you will begin to see changes to our web site www.StableCrete.com as we begin to post additional information for all applications. This will enhance obtaining the necessary credits for concretes “GREEN“ features in years to come!

You may also visit http://www.floridagreenbuilding.org to view our StableCrete listing on the Florida Green Building Coalition, Green Products page. Search CSI Section 03-05-00 Concrete Waterproofing Compound.

Our Motto “We Stand Behind the Product, We’ll Stand Behind You” also, has not changed! Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Concrete Waterproofing and Sealer