Materials, Methods & Technologies, Volume 14, 2020

Abstract: In recent years, the use of internal crystalline chemical admixtures for concrete and mortar to increase their water-tightness and other physical and mechanical characteristics has been of increasing importance in modern construction. These types of chemical modifiers allow for the effective replacement of conventionally performed waterproofing insulations (membranes, rolls, brushed or sprayed coatings, etc.) by purposefully improving the physical-mechanical characteristics of structural concrete, rendering it to one degree or another, impermeable to water or/and aggressive agents from different origins. In the specialized world market for such products there are several leading competing companies-producers of internal-crystallization chemical admixtures, which have different activity in Bulgaria. The purpose of the investigations reported is to assist participants in the construction investment process in understanding the nature, specific characteristics and differences in the performance (effectiveness) of different products in terms of their ability to limit the ingress of water into concrete and reinforced concrete sections, as well as their ability to increase the durability of concrete as the main structural material.