Hydrophobic and Superhydrophobic ­Strain-Hardening Cement-Based Composites

Strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) can be a good candidate for use in critical infrastructure elements that require extended lifetimes. However, depending on the composition of the matrix and fiber content, SHCC can have a relatively high deterioration due to freeze-thaw attack. The use of hydrophobic or superhydrophobic (HSH) admixtures that are intended to generate air voids whose size and distribution can be tailored can enhance the performance of SHCC.

The strength and durability of transportation and civil infrastructure, especially concrete highway pavements and bridges, are essential for maintaining a high level of freight and passenger movement throughout the country.Concrete pavements and bridges are susceptible to many forms of degradation. In northern climates, freezing and thawing cycles along with the detrimental effects of de-icing chemicals cause the deterioration of concrete and the need for repair or complete replacement of these infrastructure elements. Concrete and cementitious materials that are capable of enduring harsh...

Related articles:

Issue 03/2017

The structure of air entrainment of cement concrete by means of protein formulation and modern factory produced admixture

The importance of air entraining admixtures for the quality and durability of concrete were already appreciated as long ago as in antiquity. It was then that people observed that blood added to a...

more
Issue 02/2018 Design of concrete structures

Centric axial strain in uniaxially restrained precast reinforced concrete floor slabs

Any floor slab whose shortening is obstructed by stiffening components, such as building cores or walls, will be subject to strain caused, for instance, by shrinkage. In this scenario, reinforced...

more
Issue 02/2013 Theoretical foundations and practical examples

Highly ductile concrete with short fibers

Brief description of the material Highly ductile concretes reinforced with short fibers are cement-bound high-performance materials that exhibit strain-hardening properties in tension (thus they are...

more
Issue 03/2011 Sika

Concrete durability through 100 years of innovation

There he invented Sika-1, a quick-setting waterproofing admixture for mortar, which was used to waterproof the Gotthard Tunnel, enabling the Swiss railway company to electrify this important...

more
Issue 02/2015 Dealing with limited experience and/or data resources

Durability design for new generations of concrete

The introduction of new high-performance composite materials into general building practice is the main driving force for innovations in the construction industry at present [1]. However, they can...

more