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No question, concrete is one of the most durable, high strength and dependable building materials in existence. But, there are some conditions where even concrete is at risk of deterioration.
Areas with high levels of sulphate are a prime example of such conditions. But, thankfully, specialist concrete varieties have been developed that are able to overcome even the most challenging conditions.
Here at iMix Concrete, we’ve shared a handy guide to the capabilities, use cases and performance benefits of sulphate resisting concrete.
What is sulphate resisting concrete?
The presence of sulphates is one of the most common causes of concrete degradation.
Standard concrete is extremely vulnerable to sulphates. If exposed to sulphates, concrete will weaken at a rapid pace. This is because the concrete experiences a chemical reaction (between the sulphates and tricalcium aluminate), causing it to expand and undergo high strain, resulting in cracking, disintegration and spalling. What’s more, this issue worsens over time, causing concrete to lose its strength and structural integrity, and dramatically reduce its lifespan.
Sulphate resisting concrete is designed to provide all the usual benefits of concrete – high strength, durability, ease of use and long lifespan – in a concrete variety that is completely resistant to sulphates.
This concrete type is designed to be used in sulphate-rich environments, and withstand exposure to sulphates throughout its entire lifespan.
How can sulphate resisting concrete be used in construction?
sulphates occur in areas where soils or groundwater have been contaminated.
As a result, sulphate resisting concrete is widely used in any areas that are known to be contaminated with sulphates, or any areas where future sulphate exposure is likely.
Sulphate resisting concrete is commonly used for:
- Foundations and basements
- Retaining walls
- Tunnelling
- Underground structures (such as subway systems)
- Sewage linings
- Bridges
- Roads
- Coastal structures (such as seawalls)
- Water storage facilities
- Water treatment facilities
When constructing these structures, it is imperative that the concrete achieves its usual high compressive strength and durability. The concrete needs to be able to bear high loads, and any deterioration or reduction in strength could be extremely dangerous.
So, by using sulphate resisting concrete, these projects can ensure the required degree of strength, stability, dependability and durability is achieved in full, and that this high performance remains consistently high for many years to come.
What are the benefits of using sulphate resisting concrete?
The key benefits of using sulphate resisting concrete include:
- Gives the structure complete resistance to sulphate attacks
- Ensures the concrete remains just as strong and durable over time
- Gives the concrete extremely high compressive strength
- Enables concrete to be used in areas where it otherwise would not be possible
- Reduces the risk of cracking
- Reduces maintenance requirements (and the associated costs)
- Improves concrete performance in harsh conditions
- Increases health and safety standards for the structure
- Ensures the structure achieves full regulatory compliance
Order Sulphate Resisting Concrete
At iMix Concrete, we specialise in the supply of concrete. We offer a huge range of concrete varieties, and cater to orders from both domestic and commercial clients across London, Essex, Kent and beyond.
With our team of concrete specialists on hand, you can ensure a fast and dependable supply of sulphate resisting concrete, mixed to your exact requirements.
So, if you have any further questions about this specialist type of concrete, or would like to enlist our team to supply sulphate resisting concrete for your upcoming project, contact us today and place an order.
