The first line of defence is protection

Well-designed concrete structures, incorporating the best materials, will last indefinitely with the right upfront specification combined with ongoing maintenance over their lifespan. Alastair Currie talks to Jacobus Pretorius, technical services manager at Mapei, about concrete protection and repair solutions.

Helping to build the future since 1937, Mapei is an Italian multinational and pioneer in the adhesives and construction chemicals market, fielding more than 5 000 products for the building and construction segments.

The Mapei Group now has 91 subsidiaries and 84 production facilities in 35 different countries, including South Africa. This operational footprint is backed by a comprehensive research and development programme focused on developing ecosustainable and -compatible products.

Mapei entered the South African market in 2007. Initially, this was a distribution strategy that subsequently led to the establishment of a fully owned subsidiary in 2009 to target local and regional African markets.

A key area where our solutions can make a major difference is in the wastewater treatment works segment.”

Jacobus Pretorius, technical services manager at Mapei

Rigid and flexible coatings

“Within South Africa, a major focus is on Mapei solutions developed for asset management and maintenance within the infrastructure space for a myriad of concrete structures. Here, our rigid and flexible cementitious coatings are ideal both for new construction and reinstatement in terms of corrosion protection and waterproofing, together with an aesthetic and relatively maintenance-free finish,” explains Pretorius.

“A key area where our solutions can make a major difference is in the wastewater treatment works segment, which – as highlighted by the Department of Water and Sanitation’s recent Green Drop report – is generally in a poor state of health, requiring urgent remedial interventions,” Pretorius continues, adding that Mapei provides specialist advice as part of its holistic services.

Products designed to meet rigid specification requirements include Paniseal 88, a singlecomponent osmotic cementitious mortar suitable for contact with drinking water, which is employed for waterproofing masonry and concrete structures; and Planiseal 288, a two-component ductile cementitious mortar for waterproofing structures below ground level (such as basement parking) and for storage tanks.

Mapelastic series

In turn, there are three options available within the Mapelastic series. The original