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A cement paste-tail sealant interface modified with a silane coupling agent for enhancing waterproofing performance
Fan Li1, Yuyou Yang1, Mingjiang Tao2
1School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing) Beijing 100083 China yangyuyou@cugb.edu.cn +86-10-82322624 +86-10-82322628.
RSC Advances
|May 6, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a silane coupling agent to enhance the waterproofing of underground concrete structures. The agent improves compatibility between cement and sealants, reducing water leakage risks in tunnel linings.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Chemistry
Background:
- Current hydrophobic coatings for concrete face challenges due to chemical and mechanical incompatibility with cement.
- This incompatibility compromises long-term waterproofing in underground structures, particularly tunnel linings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of a silane coupling agent to enhance compatibility at the cement-tail sealant interface.
- To reduce the risk of water leakage in underground lining systems.
Main Methods:
- Modification of the cement-tail sealant interface with a silane coupling agent.
- Evaluation of hydrophobicity using static water-contact angle measurements.
- Assessment of reduced permeability via impermeability pressure tests.
- Characterization of chemical bonding, microstructure, and porosity.
Main Results:
- The silane agent enhanced the hydrophobicity and reduced the permeability of the cement-tail sealant interface.
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed reactions between the silane agent and cement hydration products.
- Microstructure and porosity analyses indicated a denser, less porous interface compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Silane coupling agents can effectively improve the compatibility and waterproofing performance of cement-tail sealant interfaces.
- This approach offers a promising solution for enhancing the durability and reducing water leakage in underground concrete structures.
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