Penetrating Sealer Effects on Durability Performance of Concrete Joints

Abstract

Penetrating sealers are one means to reduce moisture and chemical transport into concrete. However, a large variety of products are available, possessing different functional modes of action. This study investigated representative families of penetrating sealers applied to vertical, sawn faces of properly air-entrained concrete (approximately 6%) to represent field application of sealers to concrete joints. Concrete was characterized for water transport, chloride diffusion, gas permeability, frost resistance in the presence of deicing salts, and potential for oxy chloride formation. The results showed that some sealers effectively reduced water absorption, prolonged time to saturation, and reduced chloride penetration. However, delayed time to critical saturation did not always result in improved frost resistance. All sealers significantly reduced the potential of oxychloride formation. The tests used for this study are broadly applicable and provide enhanced characterization for selection and application of new types of sealers and modes of action.