Analysis of epoxy based paint efficiency in expanded clay lightweight concrete protection of sulfuric acid attack

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to analyze the efficiency of epoxydic base paint used as a protective coating on expanded clay lightweight concrete under sulfuric acid (H2SO4) attack. External attacks can promote expansions and accelerated degradation, reducing the concrete durability. Developed protections, such as paints have an important performance result, because they have good adhesion to the concrete surface, weathering and photodegradation resistant, besides provide a good chemical stability. The performance of epoxydic paint was assessed through visual inspection, compressive strength test, water absorption and mass losses before and after chemical attack. The visual inspection demonstrated that the epoxy-coated lightweight concrete specimens had a clear reduction in the loss of cohesion of the paste caused by the attack. The teste results of regarding water absorption, mass loss and mechanical strength showed the good performance of the epoxydic base paint, preventing the penetration of the aggressive agent on protected concretes. This research shows that epoxydic protection reduces the impact of external acid attacks on concrete and can improve the durability of expanded clay lightweight concrete structures.