Concrete Thoughts

Waterproofing Marine Structures In India – Crystalline Solutions

Marine structures are one of the highest risk structures in the concrete industry. The risk involves various factors like a constant attack of water that gets inside the structure through capillary tracts, pores and so makes the chances of corrosion higher due to chloride attack and various other contaminants that reduce the age of marine structures. So basically, it is required to save the reinforcing steel from corrosion and also protect the concrete from cracks and deterioration at the same time.

If we talk about corrosion first. Its risk starts from the day of the structure’s design. If the design of any marine structure is not resistant to extreme environmental conditions, it may cause the direct penetration of waterborne chlorides into the concrete that leads to the corrosion of steel. Another major risk faced by marine structures is the cracking of the concrete itself. Cracking and penetrations make the structure exposed to direct water-flow that ultimately decreases the durability of the structure. Not to forget that such structures are usually built upon or near the high flow of water that creates hurdles on the construction work. So the traditional waterproofing that is based on sheet-applied membrane systems can never be an option for such an environment.

Talking about the solution, marine structures need such formulae that not just increase their age but also cost less labor and time. Krystol technology also known as Crystalline based waterproofing technology is widely accepted by various industry experts for such conditions. Krystol chemically reacts with water and un-hydrated cement particles to form insoluble needle-shaped crystals that fill capillary pores and micro-cracks in the concrete blocking the pathways for water and waterborne contaminants.

Kryton has been providing crystalline-based waterproofing services for such structures since 1973 and incorporated in India since 1996 giving strength to many prestigious projects like Alakhnanda dam, Adani Dhamra port, Adani Mudra Port, Goa Ship Yard, Haldia Refinery, and many more in the list globally. Products that best suit marine structures are Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) and Krytsol T1 & Krsytol T2.  KIM when added to concrete, reacts with water and un-hydrated cement particles forming insoluble needle-shaped crystals that fill

micro-cracks and capillary-pores in the concrete and block the pathways for water and waterborne contaminants.  The crystallization process starts whenever there is any moisture introduced over the lifespan of the concrete. Krystol T1and Krystol T2 is used for positive and negative side coating that is quite different from membrane coating. After coating, Krsytol T1 & Krystol T2 go inside the concrete and form crystals. Since they do not create any sheet externally, there is no risk of damage like any sheet-coating waterproofing system.

Krsytol products act as shields for the concrete safeguarding it from corrosion of steel reinforcement, chloride attack, carbonation, sulfate attack, Alkali Aggregate reaction, and freeze/thraw damage. 

So whether they are Sea Walls, Piers, Waterside Buildings / Infrastructure, Breakwaters, Docks, Concrete Pilings, Dams, Bridges, Jetties, Groynes, , Ports, or any other construction project, crystalline based concrete waterproofing systems will help you build quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness into the concrete. We at Kryton are with you every step of the way to ensure your project is a complete success. You can contact Kryton India Waterproofing Experts for free advice on best waterproofing practices.