Influence of Silane-based Impregnation Agent on the Permeability of Concretes

Three types of silane-based impregnation agent (short for SIA) are used to treat the concrete surface, and the influence of water/binder (W/B) ratio, mineral admixtures, curing methods, the type and dosage of SIA on the capillary water absorption and electric flux of concretes is examined. Results show that the penetration depth of SIA increases with the increasing of the W/B ratio and SIA dosage, and is related to the type of SIA. Surface treatment by SIA can reduce capillary water absorption and electric flux of concretes, the W/B ratio and curing methods are no longer the main factor, the increasing of the SIA dosage can further improve the surface protection effect of concrete. Mineral admixtures improve the compactness of concretes, and the combined effects of surface treatment and admixtures can evidently enhance the impermeability of concrete. Different types of SIAs have different mechanisms of action on the surface treatment of concrete, and thus have different impacts on the permeability of concrete. The concrete treated by SIA2 with the effects of the penetration and the formation of surface film layer has lower permeability.