Closure of cracks and reduction of permeability in SHCC using silicate-based surface penetrants

Abstract

Uniaxial tension was applied to members manufactured from strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) and cracks were induced. After unloading and in the state that cracking still remained, silicate-based surface penetrant was applied, and the amount of water penetration was measured before and after the application. A reduction of water penetration was found in regions with cracks having a total crack width of 0.4 mm or less over a water penetration test range of ϕ70 mm, so the effect of the silicate-based surface penetrant was confirmed. Also, a curing period of 1 month after application was sufficient to obtain the effect. However, the effect was not increased if the number of applications was increased.