Seaport is a part of the coast, where coastal land (the actual port area) and adjacent water area (harbors) are functionally combined to secure mooring, maintenance and loading of ships.
Almost throughout the whole service life of port facilities they are in constant contact with sea or river water.
It is known that seawater has salt which causes abrasion to concrete structures. Calcium chloride or calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, etc have the same effect. These salts react with the hydration products of portland cement, causing its disruption.
It is obvious that in order to prevent such processes at the stage of construction and repair of port facilities, it is appropriate to provide concrete with sealing and water resistance properties which will limit its exposure to aggressive media.
For seaports located in areas with cold climate, in addition to waterproofing it is also important to address the problem of frost resistance. Giving concrete water resistance and low temperatures resistance at the stage of construction of seaport facilities will substantially increase facility lifetime.
When operating docking facilities the following defects may occur:
- loss of sealant in expansion joints;
- scaling the concrete surfaces;
- destruction of protective layer of concrete with exposed rebars;
- cracks of different nature (due to temperature, shrinkage, formed as a result of concrete being washed away, etc.).
Considering construction materials, which can be used to provide water resistance and hardiness of port facilities, modified bitumen may be singled out.
This construction material extends the temperature range by improving heat and frost resistance, as well as ensures reliability and longevity of port facilities. Using modified bitumen, along with other components, creates materials with zero water absorption. It eliminates corrosion and decay, and it is exactly what sea and river ports need.
GlobeCore offers its polymer bitumen modification units, such as UVB-2, to road and construction organizations working in ports. This equipment is designed for production rate of 4 to 40 m3/h, improving the original properties of bitumen with practically any currently known polymer in any form (powder, granules, etc.).