Why use hydrophobizing additives

Today, on a variety of construction sites, you can hear about hydrophobizing additives in the composition of concrete. But who really needs them and for what? For what conditions and objects are these concrete additives designed?

Let's try to figure it out. In order not to talk about some abstract mixtures, as an example, let's consider the use of a hydrophobic additive Teknomer 120. The consumption of the finished composition is extremely economical - only 2-3% of the total weight of the dry cement mixture, and the application is simple and convenient, which makes Teknomer 120 a popular solution for the hydrophobization of concrete structures.

And so, why do they use hydrophobic additives in concrete when creating reinforced concrete structures? For the protection of concrete and components, namely for:

• protection of reinforcement and steel structural elements from corrosion in the concrete body
• improving the strength and frost resistance of the finished concrete
• protection of concrete from high water pressure-positive and negative
• protection of reinforced concrete structures from the destructive effects of water, moisture and dampness
   

As a result, hydrophobic additives, in particular Teknomer 120, are used to extend the period of maintenance-free operation of a reinforced concrete structure in conditions of direct contact with water and moist air.

Understanding how a hydrophobizing additive works in concrete, it is possible to clearly determine which objects can not do without it:

• foundations, bridges and tunnels
• dams, dams and other water engineering structures
• water towers, water treatment constructsbassins and reservoirs with drinking water
• settling tanks for liquid waste and waste water
• underground parking lots, basements, semi-basement rooms
• underground elements of reinforced concrete structures

And so, answering the question why hydrophobizing additives are used in concrete, we can say with confidence-to protect concrete and metal structural elements from the destructive influence of water and moisture. This means that it is necessary for the reliability and durability of the reinforced concrete structure in conditions of increased environmental influence on the structure.