Exposure Testing of Hycrete Concrete Additive in a Wastewater Treatment Environment
Abstract
The corrosion of reinforced concrete in wastewater systems is a costly ongoing problem for the Department of Defense (DoD). Capillary action makes concrete vulnerable to penetration by highly corrosive chemicals transported by wastewater. Progressive corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement greatly increases internal stresses on the concrete, ultimately causing premature fractures and spalls. Researchers hypothesized that corrosion in such aggressive environments could be mitigated using a hydrophobic concrete admixture to inhibit penetration of corrosive liquids into wastewater treatment infrastructure, thereby reducing stresses on the materials and ex-tending service life. This study tested and evaluated one such admixture, a patented material called Hycrete. This evaluation exposed test coupons within the sewage effluent system at Fort Detrick, MD. Under the two year duration of this test, the presence of Hycrete had no noticeable influence on performance of concrete exposed to sewer effluent or gasses. Visual appearance did not dramatically differ and there were no significant changes chemical composition. The results suggest that neither the Hycretenor the reference concrete specimens were affected by chemical leeching or intrusion during the two-year demonstration period. There turn on investment for this effort was, therefore, zero.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- AD1037454
Entities
People
- Steven C. Sweeney
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center