DID YOU KNOW? The life of concrete is limited by a number of
disintegrating effects: Weathering by rain and frost action is
chiefly a function of water-tightness or impermeability, since
leach and attack by the carbonic and other acids present in
rainwater, and disruption by frost action, depend on the
penetration of water into the surface. Chemical attack such as
industrial chemicals and wastes; sewage; animal and vegetable
oils, fats, grease; milk; and sugars. Wear by abrasion from foot
and vehicular traffic, by wave actions, and by water-borne and
wind-borne particles. Concrete has the tendency to be porous due
to the presence of voids formed during or after placing. It is
usually necessary in order to obtain workable mixes, to use far
more water than is actually necessary for chemical combination
with the cement. This water occupies space, and when it later
dries out, it leaves behind air voids. Gases such as sulphur
dioxide and carbon dioxide in damp situations, attack concrete.
Sulphuric acid also attac