Concrete Trench Reinforcement

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Revitalizing Concrete Trench Drains: A Long-Lasting Fix

Concrete trench drains are essential in industrial and commercial settings, acting as channels that efficiently remove surface water or contain hazardous materials like chemicals and utility lines. Their role is vital in maintaining safety and operational efficiency, especially in environments where liquid exposure is common. However, over time, these structures can suffer from various forms of degradation, including chemical corrosion, physical damage, and environmental stressors such as seawater, bacterial activity, and temperature fluctuations.

A recent case involved a battery distribution plant that had been operating for less than ten years. The facility had previously relied on a novolac coating to protect its concrete trenches. Unfortunately, this protective layer failed, allowing the acid bath from the battery production process—containing diluted sulfuric acid (H2SO4) with a pH of 1–2—to seep into the concrete. The acid caused significant damage, reducing the thickness of the concrete by nearly half in two areas and leading to approximately 35% structural failure. Without timely intervention, the risk of complete failure was expected within a year.

To address the issue, HJ3 implemented a comprehensive repair solution using its CarbonSeal system. The first step was removing all damaged and loose concrete through abrasive blasting. Following that, the surface was neutralized and prepared for repair. HJ3 applied the CarbonSeal primer and high-modulus paste to restore the original structure. Then, carbon fiber reinforcement was saturated and installed along the trench’s 2” x 2” shelf to provide additional strength. Finally, a chemical-resistant top coat was applied, extending 1” across the entire surface and onto the shelf, offering protection against even the most aggressive acids, including 98% H2SO4.

The benefits of this approach were clear. Not only did it allow the facility to resume operations within a week, but it also saved the client 85% compared to replacing the entire trench. This method proved to be both cost-effective and long-lasting, ensuring the facility could continue operating safely without frequent maintenance. With the right repair system in place, industrial facilities can avoid costly downtime and extend the life of their critical infrastructure.

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seal corner connect injection machine

Ningbo Huacheng Rubber And Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd , https://www.hacen-machinery.com