Advanced Chemistry: The Future of Structural Durability
by Frank Jad
Advanced Chemistry: The Future of Structural Durability
Reinforced concrete is everywhere—bridges, parking garages, seawalls, dams, tunnels. But its greatest strength—steel reinforcement—is also its greatest weakness. Over time, chlorides, carbonation, acids, and moisture penetrate the concrete, corrode the rebar, and trigger cracking, spalling, and loss of structural integrity.
Traditional methods—sealants, coatings, water repellents, and patching—offer short-term relief but fail to address the root chemical causes of deterioration. In fact, some methods can accelerate corrosion once it has begun.
The SURTREAT® Difference
Unlike physical barrier products, SURTREAT Solutions applies chemistry inside the concrete to stabilize and strengthen structures from within.
· Founded in 1989 with a mission: “A Chemistry-Based Practical Approach to the Problem of Concrete Deterioration and Corrosion of Embedded Reinforcement.”
· Holistic process: testing, analysis, custom prescription, treatment, and follow-up.
· Proven military performance: a 10-year study in Okinawa (NAHA Military Port & Kadena AFB) confirmed:
· 79–80% reduction in corrosion rate
· Concrete is stronger after 10 years than when it was first treated
· Surtreat vs Traditional Methods
Benefits to Your Bottom Line
· Lower Costs
· A fraction of the cost of concrete removal & replacement
· Reduced labor and downtime
· Faster Projects
· One-time application
· Non-destructive; structures remain in operation
· Extended Service Life
· Indefinite durability when applied correctly
· Works on both new and deteriorated concrete
Traditional Methods vs. SURTREAT
Coatings & Sealants
· ✅ Reduce porosity temporarily
· ❌ Do not control pH
· ❌ Do not purge or stabilize contaminants
· ❌ Can accelerate corrosion if applied after contaminants are present
Water Repellents
· ✅ Reduce surface water penetration
· ❌ Break down under pressure and carbonation
· ❌ Do not protect rebar or resist acids
Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VpCI)
· ✅ Form film on rebar
· ❌ Water soluble, requiring reapplication
· ❌ Do not address pH, porosity, or long-term durability
SURTREAT® Solutions
· ✔ Controls pH inside concrete
· ✔ Purges & stabilizes contaminants
· ✔ Establishes protective film on rebar
· ✔ Reduces porosity and permeability
· ✔ Provides acid resistance
· ✔ Lasts indefinitely with one treatment
Real-World Impact
· Owners: Extend asset service life by decades.
· Engineers: Specify a proven UFGS 09 97 23.17 & ASTM-aligned technology.
· Contractors: Save time and labor while delivering superior results.
Build Stronger, Preserve Longer
Concrete deterioration is not just an appearance issue—it’s a financial, safety, and sustainability challenge. SURTREAT® Solutions transforms the way we repair and protect concrete by working inside the concrete where damage starts.
When failure is not an option—choose the chemistry that works.
To learn more about how SURTREAT® solutions can restore and protect your concrete infrastructure, contact us at (412) 281-1202 or visit www.surtreat.com.