EVALUATION OF A PENETRATION-REINFORCING AGENT TO PREVENT THE AGING OF CONCRETE

Concrete has three major properties after a penetration-reinforcing agent is applied on its surface. First, the durability is improved by the sol-gel process of synthesized material from the polycondensation of TEOS (tetra-ethoxyorthosilicate) and acrylate monomer. Second, the capability to absorb impact energy is reinforced through the formation of a soft and flexible layer of organic monomers by Tea (Tetra Ethyl Amin). Third, the capability to prevent deterioration is enhanced by adding isobutyl-orthosilicate and alcohol. The performance and application of an agent developed through the synthesis of organic and inorganic material in an effort to prevent concrete from deterioration and improve the durability of concrete structures were verified in diverse experiments. The results of these experiments showed that the application of the proposed penetration-reinforcing agent has the effect of increasing the compressive strength by filling up the internal pores of concrete with physically and chemically stable compounds after penetrating the concrete. It also improves the durability against the deterioration factors such as salt water damage, carbonation, freezing and thawing, and compound deterioration. Therefore, it is confirmed that the penetration-reinforcing agent is a useful substance for the management and repair of concrete structures.