Enhancing Concrete Durability through Crystalline Waterproofing Admixtures: A Comprehensive Performance Evaluation

The construction industry grapples with significant challenges posed by climate change and urbanization, driving the imperative for innovative materials to elevate the performance and durability of civil infrastructure in the pursuit of sustainability. In this research, the application of crystalline waterproofing admixtures (CWA) to improve concrete durability is investigated. The study aims to analyze the effect of CWA on concrete performance by conducting a series of tests on different concrete mixtures. These tests include slump tests, compressive strength tests, water penetration tests, and chemical resistance tests using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions. The results indicate that incorporating CWA into concrete leads to notable improvements. Specifically, the addition of 1% CWA enhances compressive strength from 41 MPa to 43.2 MPa, a 5.4% improvement. Similarly, 2% CWA results in a 6.1% increase, reaching 43.5 MPa. Water penetration tests indicate substantial benefits, with 1% CWA reducing penetration from 43 mm to 20 mm (53% improvement), and 2% CWA further reducing it to 15 mm (65% improvement). Additionally, CWA-treated concrete exhibits improved chemical resistance, resulting in higher compressive strength values and lower mass loss percentages after chemical exposure. The combination of CWA with cement type I demonstrates comparable performance to cement type V in terms of compressive strength and chemical resistance. The research contributes to the understanding of concrete technology, guiding engineers in selecting suitable materials to enhance the longevity and serviceability of concrete structures in various environmental conditions.