C.C.I.A. Members
Axim Concrete
Technologies
Euclid Chemical
Company
Grace Construction
Products
BASF Admixtures
Sika Corporation
|
About C.C.I.A.
The Concrete Corrosion Inhibitors Association (CCIA) is composed of companies that market highly effective corrosion inhibitors for use in concrete. The effectiveness of these corrosion inhibitors has been proven and reported in peer-reviewed literature (see the Technical Information section). Some of these corrosion inhibitors have been successfully protecting concrete for over a quarter of a century. CCIA was established to promulgate the effective use of corrosion inhibitors in concrete. In most cases, atmospheric corrosion involves the formation of multi-colored layers of different iron oxides. As weather conditions change these oxides alter their dimensions and flake away allowing air to continuously attack the metal. This results in poor durability of iron. The highly alkaline environment of concrete protects steel reinforcing bars from this continuous corrosion process because the initial oxide coating formed is stable and not affected by weather conditions. However, when salt gets into concrete this protection is lost causing the iron to dissolve and diffuse into the concrete. As this soluble iron moves closer to the surface air oxidizes it further resulting in concrete cracks and rust stains. Coating the rebars with epoxy would appear to help, but defects in the coating caused by handling and the placing process are inevitable. What is needed is a corrosion inhibitor that works with the concrete to protect the rebars from salt attack. Corrosion inhibitors work by reducing the amount of salt getting to the steel and/or providing an alkali resistant coating on iron. This protection cannot be destroyed while handling the rebars or placing the concrete. One of the best ways to appreciate the benefits of a corrosion inhibitor is through the use of a mathematical model for predicting the service life and life cycle cost of reinforced concrete that will be subjected to harsh weather or built along the seacoast. Such a model was developed at the University of Toronto and has been available on our web site for over 5 years. This model, Life 365, is used by civil engineers to compare concrete corrosion inhibition systems in order to obtain the optimum service life. Currently Life 365 is the model related to the document being developed by ACI committee 365. It is expected that Life 365 will be eventually distributed by ACI. Life 365 Version 2.0 is now available on our web site. It is more comprehensive than the earlier version. There is an instruction manual for help in understanding and using the new version. The older, simpler version is still on the web site as well. The long-range goals of this Association are the identification and implementation of programs, information, and activities that promote the use and understanding of corrosion inhibitors in concrete. This includes providing educational material and technical information on corrosion inhibitors, conducting research into the use of corrosion inhibitors and providing support to other activities which help people understand the value of corrosion inhibitors in concrete.
|
Axim Concrete Technologies | Euclid Chemical Company | Grace Construction Products
BASF Admixtures | Sika Corporation
Arnie Rosenberg, Executive Director
Email: info@corrosioninhibitors.org
Phone: 301-340-7368