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The importance of considering the aggressiveness of water when choosing the most suitable coating for concrete tanks

Concrete is a material widely used in the construction of water reservoir. However, in cases where the water has aggressive chemical characteristics, such as low pH and low mineralization, negative effects may occur as a result of direct contact with the stored water. Concrete is used to enclose the reinforcement steel which, due to its high pH, will protect and passivate the steel, preventing its oxidation. However, corrosion of the reinforcement can occur if oxygen reaches the steel, due to the effect of carbonation, due to the dissolution of the concrete that normally occurs with aggressive waters.

ryznar and langelier indices

When choosing the appropriate waterproofing mortar to protect reinforced concrete structures intended for water storage, it is important to consider the aggressiveness of the water in question. 

There are several tools available to assess this aggressiveness, such as the Ryznar Index and the Langelier Saturation Index. These calculations are essential to determine the type of waterproofing mortar to be used.

The Ryznar Index is a measure of the aggressiveness of water in relation to the formation of scale. The higher the index, the less tendency the water has to form scale. On the other hand, The Langelier Saturation Index is a measure of water's tendency to dissolve minerals, especially calcium carbonate.

To carry out these calculations, you can use online tools such as those provided by Lenntech. The Ryznar Index can be calculated using the tool found in https://www.lenntech.com/calculators/ryznar/index/ryznar.htm, while the Langelier Saturation Index can be calculated via the link https://www.lenntech.com/calculators/langelier/index/langelier.htm .

As mentioned in the article 

Aggressiveness and corrosiveness of water in crystalline terrain in the North of Portugal - The need to use waterproofing coatings” written by Carlos Pinto, 

To avoid depreciation processes of the structure resulting from contact with aggressive water, it is recommended to use of suitable waterproofing coatings to extend the useful life of the structure and prevent problems such as cracking and degradation of concrete, and corrosion of reinforcement.

When choosing the appropriate waterproofing mortar to protect reinforced concrete structures intended for water storage, it is important to consider the aggressiveness of the water in question. 

There are several tools available to assess this aggressiveness, such as the Ryznar Index and the Langelier Saturation Index. These calculations are essential to determine the type of waterproofing mortar to be used.

The Ryznar Index is a measure of the aggressiveness of water in relation to the formation of scale. The higher the index, the less tendency the water has to form scale. On the other hand, The Langelier Saturation Index is a measure of water's tendency to dissolve minerals, especially calcium carbonate.

A ECOFIRMA is a company specialized in the repair, rehabilitation and waterproofing of structures under construction, using chemical-based waterproofing products with properties that, together with selected cements and aggregates, try to fill gaps in the concrete and prevent the aggressive action of some water.

Waterproofing has become a fundamental part of any construction project at the moment. Surfaces exposed to water, such as reservoirs, need to be adequately protected to ensure the durability of the structure. 

A ECOFIRMA has the technical capacity to propose solutions that ensure superior durability to what is traditionally known for this type of work.

When choosing the appropriate waterproofing mortar to protect reinforced concrete structures intended for water storage, it is important to consider the aggressiveness of the water in question. 

There are several tools available to assess this aggressiveness, such as the Ryznar Index and the Langelier Saturation Index. These calculations are essential to determine the type of waterproofing mortar to be used.

The Ryznar Index is a measure of the aggressiveness of water in relation to the formation of scale. The higher the index, the less tendency the water has to form scale. On the other hand, The Langelier Saturation Index is a measure of water's tendency to dissolve minerals, especially calcium carbonate.

water characterization

To apply the Ryznar and Langelier Saturation indices, it is necessary to carry out analyzes of the water that will be used in the reservoir. These analyzes include the measurement of pH, alkalinity, hardness, chlorides, sulfates, among other parameters that may affect the aggressiveness of water towards concrete. Based on these results, it is possible to choose the most suitable waterproofing mortar for each situation, ensuring the protection of the structure against the corrosive action of water and increasing its durability.

appropriate choice of waterproofing system

A ECOFIRMA is a company that takes into account the particularities of water in each location where it operates. 

It is important to highlight that water can vary in its composition and properties according to geography, local geology and the use that will be given to it

For example, water in a coastal region may have a higher concentration of chlorides due to the influence of the sea, while water in an industrial area may have high levels of heavy metals. 

Based on this information, the ECOFIRMA adopt a personalized approach to each project, carrying out detailed water analyzes and choosing the most suitable waterproofing products to protect the structure against the effects of the water in question. 

This way, it is possible to guarantee the durability of the structure and avoid future problems.