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An Innovative Three-layer Membrane System Intended for the Renovation of Water and Sewage Infrastructure Facilities Exposed to Aggressive Sulfate Environment
Progress in the repair and protection of water and sewage infrastructure currently focuses on the use of a modern and innovative material in the form of polyurea, distinguished by its fast hardening properties and versatility of use, applied with a spray gun using high-pressure pumps. The development of new building materials is part of an ongoing effort to meet stringent environmental, health and performance standards, with polyurea offering significant improvements by eliminating solvents and volatile compounds (VOCs). The application process includes a detailed protocol (technological regime), starting from inspection and cleaning, through drying, to the application of three layers: a base layer to block moisture, a middle layer of rigid polyurethane to strengthen the structure, and a final sealing and anti-corrosion layer. This method guarantees a monolithic structure without joints, increases strength thanks to the rigid polyurethane and speeds up the repair process, allowing immediate return to service after application. Specifically designed for use in aggressive wastewater environments, this system provides excellent corrosion resistance, making it an ideal solution for wastewater infrastructure components such as reinforced concrete wells, sewage pumping stations and tanks. The ability to adjust the properties of polyurea allows for personalization in terms of environmental aggressiveness, size of the protected structure and abrasion resistance, marking a significant advance in infrastructure maintenance technology.
Application of Experimental Studies of Humidity and Temperature in the Time Domain to Determine the Physical Characteristics of a Perlite Concrete Partition
These days, the use of natural materials is required for sustainable and consequently plus-, zero- and low-energy construction. One of the main objectives of this research was to demonstrate that pelite concrete block masonry can be a structural and thermal insulation material. In order to determine the actual thermal insulation parameters of the building partition, in situ experimental research was carried out in real conditions, taking into account the temperature distribution at different heights of the partition. Empirical measurements were made at five designated heights of the partition with temperature and humidity parameters varying over time. The described experiment was intended to verify the technical parameters of perlite concrete in terms of its thermal insulation properties as a construction material used for vertical partitions. It was shown on the basis of the results obtained that the masonry made of perlite concrete blocks with dimensions of 24 × 24.5 × 37.5 cm laid on the mounting foam can be treated as a building element that meets both the structural and thermal insulation requirements of vertical single-layer partitions. However, it is important for the material to work in a dry environment, since, as shown, a wet perlite block has twice the thermal conductivity coefficient. The results of the measurements were confirmed, for they were known from the physics of buildings, the general principles of the formation of heat and the moisture flow in the analysed masonry of a perlite block. Illustrating this regularity is shown from the course of temperature and moisture in the walls. The proposed new building material is an alternative to walls with a layer of thermal insulation made of materials such as polystyrene or wool and fits into the concept of sustainable construction, acting against climate change, reducing building operating costs, improving living and working conditions as well as fulfilling international obligations regarding environmental goals.