Proper coatings and monitoring techniques make concrete and steel virtually indestructible

Over 30 years, Bjond Innovation, the company owned by Jo van Montfort, has built up solid expertise in inspection, research and advice on building materials. It can monitor and improve the condition and safety of concrete and steel structures and at the same time drastically increase their lifespan. Through the development and appropriate application of state-of-the-art technology, it succeeds in predicting the expected service life of these materials with a high degree of certainty. We are thinking here of innovative technologies such as EIS or Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, among others.

"The choice of the right coating is determined according to the level of quality desired and the intended service life of a structure," Van Montfort says. "And this applies to both new construction and renovation. A lifespan of 20 years, 25 years or more? Depending on these requirements, both the type of coating system and its robustness for outdoor application, the number of layers and, for example, its anti-corrosion performance are determined. The type of coating is also influenced by the conditions under which it is to be applied. For example, does it concern a structure with unrestricted access or a railroad bridge that, due to heavy and regular train traffic, imposes restrictions in this regard?"

Furthermore, there is no such thing as a universal preservative coating: concrete and steel require different treatment, he emphasizes. "And not insignificantly: prevention is essentially even more important than repair. When steel begins to show signs of rust, in our view it is already too late. We strive to get ahead of that moment and take action before rust is visible."

Although an appropriate and correctly applied coating system measures only slightly more than the thickness of a human hair (±300 micrometers), its efficiency is phenomenal. However, this requires a thorough knowledge of raw materials, techniques and materials.

Bjond Innovation works according to the schematic triangle "People, Process, Product. At the vertices of the triangle are the three parameters that determine the quality of a coating system. "When we talk about the 'P' of People, qualified personnel are essential here. Do they possess the necessary professional knowledge? Do they understand the process? With foreign professionals, this can sometimes cause problems. After all, with a newly applied coating, it is hard to tell if it will achieve its intended performance. But this can make a difference of years in longevity. Delicate coatings are part of complex and sophisticated preservation systems and must be processed according to certain protocols (with clear do's and dont's) within a certain time frame. Otherwise, they lose much of their effect." To realize new coating systems and more advanced measurement techniques with added value, applied research together with customers is very important.

In cooperation with various agencies, Bjond Innovation conducts thorough research into the usability of various techniques including EIS technology (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy). Among other things, this allows the degree of barrier effect to be measured and determined in advance in a non-destructive manner. But also the quality and expected performance of a newly applied coating system as a function of application conditions.

Advanced non-destructive techniques, including sensors for remote measurements, Bjond previously applied to the Zeeland Bridge. These allow real-time determination of how the materials "feel" or behave and what protective interventions, if any, are needed to preserve the integrity of the piers. Because of the predictive nature of such techniques, the Zeelandbrug has been maintained for more than 40 years, where it would otherwise have required very intensive renovation as early as the late 1990s.

The possibility of positively influencing the service life of a structure from the moment of its erection through an optimized barrier effect already allows for huge savings on maintenance work and repairs.