Title : CONCRETE DURABILITY AND AESTHETICS IMPROVEMENT IN CITIES
Authors : Philippe Ortega1, Laurent Bonafous, and Arunendu Ta2
Publication : 23 - 26 October 2013
Volume :
Pages :
Price : 250
Abstract : Concrete material development started a long time ago thanks to its plastic fresh properties and final mechanical strength. Soon, its limited cost and large availability enabled human activities and cities development beyond any other material in the past. Some years ago, concrete durability became a concern as well as its grey uniform surface lack of aesthetics. Over the last decades, while scientists started identifying more precisely the durability phenomena and parameters involved, the admixture chemistry industry helped to produce stronger and more durable concrete. By developing surface protection products like sealers, it was possible to reduce concrete skin permeability and sensitivity to chemical attacks and deposits while enhancing concrete colour intensity or shine, for example. Today, the industry evolves toward flexible and efficient solutions to support not only the durability of concrete but also its aesthetical integration into its surrounding. A large variety of shapes, textures and colours is becoming available at industrial scale for all concrete production processes. This presentation will report recent industrial progress.