TECHNOLOGY
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Ports are susceptible to water damage , as their concrete foundations and columns , as a rule , are completely unprotected .
Spray-applied waterproofing membranes are tested to last 30 – 50 years and , while other maintenance may have to be done , the underlying waterproof membrane would not have to be looked at during that time .
Ports have a special problem
In the past 30 years , major technical advances in cementitious coating technology have enabled longer service-life solutions to be implemented for ports , tunnels , bridges , and power stations — any infrastructure made from concrete and bricks that , due to its porous structure , is sensitive to damp . Water can cause cracks and erosion of concrete surfaces , reducing its anticipated service life . When the Condeep platforms were built in the 1970s and 1980s to extract North Sea oil , their concrete bases were protected with an advanced silicate technology . Those platforms remain standing today , undamaged some 40 years later , despite an extremely exposed environment . However , the concrete foundations and columns in many of today ’ s ports , as a
22 - CEC June 2018
“ The challenge for the South African industry is that globally , we are at the leading edge as part of a larger fraternity , but as a country , we are financially constrained . Local spend is below international expenditure trends .”
Dr Kevin Gast , Thusanang Gast
rule , are completely unprotected and consequently have extensive damage . In water reservoirs and dams , problems also arise with leakage and erosion caused by friction in water . Silicate technology , such as Innerseal concrete waterproofing , seals and hardens in depth .
Mine seepage prevention In a mining-intensive economy such as South Africa , a particular risk is that of seepage of toxic mine water into municipal waterways . Increased emphasis on protection of the environment means that the problem of acid mine drainage has become an important priority . Use of Sika ’ s Sikadur-Combiflex SG system ensures the durability of mine water reclamation plant in grimy coal-mining areas such as Middelburg , Mpumalanga , as well as the provision of millions of litres of potable water to local communities . In one project , the Sikadur- Combiflex SG system was used to seal all construction and expansion joints within the water-retaining structures , including all water tanks and clarifiers . According to Sika ’ s website , when fixed to a joint , the Sikadur-Combiflex SG system allows for irregular and high movement in more than one direction while still maintaining a high-quality seal . The CSIR is researching alternative materials that involve a smaller carbon footprint in their manufacture and are acid resistant . Thus , clay mineral kaolinite materials can be used to make concrete blocks , bricks , and pavers that are stronger , more durable , yet cheaper and with lower carbon emissions .
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