The UK spends millions of pounds every year on the repair and maintenance of structures and buildings due to corrosion. Steel corrosion is probably the single most serious cause of deterioration of reinforced concrete and steel-framed, masonry clad structures. Buildings and bridges are suffering from corrosion due to contamination from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, de-icing salts, sea salt and salts cast into the concrete.
The first step in determining the need for corrosion control is to assess the risk of corrosion; it is important to identify whether there is a future risk of steel corrosion for both new and existing structures.
New structures
- Environmental conditions
- Material specifications
- Construction design
- Service life requirements
If the risk of corrosion is considered to be significant then a corrosion prevention system can be installed during construction.
Existing Structures
Existing
structures require a corrosion risk assessment based on the current
condition and the required service life. A condition survey should be
carried out; if a risk of corrosion is identified then preventative
action should be taken to stop it occurring or reduce the risk.
Prevention may be as simple as the renewal of defective floor sealants and cleaning out of drains in a car park; a more serious problem or more aggressive environment may require a more complex solution.
We are able to offer all methods of corrosion control including:
- Anti-carbonation coatings
Decorative and protective coatings which can be applied by brush, roller or spray to the surface of concrete. - Migratory corrosion inhibitors
Liquid solutions applied to the surface of reinforced concrete diffuse through the concrete and provide a thin protective layer around the reinforcement. - Cathodic Protection
An engineered electro-chemical solution used for the protection of reinforced concrete; concrete encased steel frames and masonry clad steel frame structures. Cathodic protection is used wherever long term protection is required on corrosion damaged structures with a significant residual life or, increasingly, to new undamaged structures in aggressive high chloride environments
From our experience and knowledge of all of the available methods and solutions, we are able to offer unbiased, independent advice for controlling corrosion.
