Redesign Your Town

Urban Regeneration in Four European Countries

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start:4-spain:b-research:tresku:problems_with_the_building

Problems with the Trescu building

Aluminosis

Aluminosis refers to the “architectural disease” of concrete (concrete is a material used in construction consisting essentially of a binder to which particles or fragments of an aggregate, water and specific additives are added). When concrete loses its properties and becomes less resistant and more porous, the stability of the building is in danger. This cement was used so that it hardened faster than the other cements, therefore they reduced its storage at the factories. The use of aluminous cement was very frequent, mainly in European countries between 1950 and 1980. After a few years, buildings in certain geographical areas or with certain environmental characteristics showed severe damage. Currently, due to its hardness loss this cement is prohibited.


Damage caused by Aluminosis

The major damage is oxidation resulting in stains, cracks, deformation, landslides, etc… in the affected parts. This can cause the collapse of the structure. Being the humidity a factor directly involved in the phenomenon of corrosion, the most damaged areas are bathrooms and kitchens, elements outdoors in coastal areas where the presence of salt accelerates the process.


Differences

-Portland's cement: To prepare portland's concrete is obtained by pulverizing the Portland clinker with the addition of one or more forms of gypsum.

-Alumina's cement: Alumina's cement is formed by impurities of iron oxide, titanium oxide and silicon oxide. Additionally, calcium carbonate is added.


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start/4-spain/b-research/tresku/problems_with_the_building.txt · Last modified: 2014/05/09 17:38 by antony