Chloe Zhang
Capillary concrete is a building material that can move water in the same way that water moves in soils and sands, through capillary action and gravity. This material is often used for drainage and irrigation. Capillary concrete is also susceptible to cracking, which is one of the earliest defects in concrete structures. This cracking is caused by capillary pressure build-up in the liquid phase of the material. To repair cracks in concrete, plastic cement and glue can be used. Plastic cement works with non-polystyrene plastics and can be applied with a glue bottle or toothpick.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic cement is used to fill gaps in models
Plastic cement is a useful tool for filling in gaps in models. It can be used to fill gaps in Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress models, for example. A thin layer of plastic cement can be applied to fill gaps in these models.
In addition to plastic cement, other materials can be used to fill gaps in plastic models. Epoxy putties are considered the best option, but they may not be available to everyone. Some alternatives include two-part epoxy adhesives, Squadron's "Green stuff or white stuff", Vallejo or Perfect Plastic Putty, and Mr Surfacer 500.
It is important to test these materials on a small, inconspicuous area of the model before applying them to more obvious areas, as they may not give the same results as epoxy putties. These alternatives tend to shrink over time, so they are best used on small gaps.
To create a homemade filler, one can cut up sprues and dissolve them in Tamiya Extra Thin cement.
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It can be removed by freezing and then dipping in warm water
Plastic cement is a versatile product formulated for all-round use. It is typically used to fill gaps in models and miniature games. The cement is applied between two plastic surfaces with similar molecular structures, causing the molecules on both surfaces to break apart and dissolve into each other.
Plastic cement can be difficult to remove if you apply too much at once or spill it over details. However, it can be removed by freezing and then dipping it in warm water. This technique is especially useful when removing super glue, as it is brittle and freezing it will cause it to break. Leaving the glued object in the freezer for a few hours and then dipping it in warm water should cause the glue to break, allowing you to separate the pieces.
For example, if you need to remove a glued figure from the cockpit of a model without damaging the plastic or paint, you can try this method. It is important to note that this process may still cause minor damage to the model. Additionally, you can use tools like needle-nose pliers to help break the bonds formed by the glue.
When using plastic cement, it is important to follow the correct techniques to avoid having to remove it. For instance, with Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, you should hold the pieces in place and wick the cement into the cracks, allowing capillary action to pull it in.
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Capillary concrete can withstand pressure of +1000 PSI
Capillary concrete is a polymer-based concrete that can withstand pressure of +1000 PSI or 6,800 pounds. It is the only building material that can effectively move water in the same way that water moves in soils and sands, through capillary action and gravity.
The material combines macropores with micropores to move water downwards with the force of gravity for drainage, and upwards against gravity with capillary force. The polymers within the material create microscopic connections in the binding agent of the concrete. This gives the material the strength of concrete, with additional attributes that aid drainage and sub-surface irrigation.
The high PSI of capillary concrete means that it can be used in a variety of settings, including golf courses, horse arenas, cities, and sports grounds. The gravel size can be adjusted to change the durability, drainage capacity, and moisture-holding characteristics of the ground. This allows for customisation depending on the intended use of the ground and the desired characteristics.
Capillary concrete is also suitable for use in harsh climates, including severe winter ground freezing conditions and heavy rainfall. It can be installed in almost any weather condition, season, or geography. The high PSI of the material contributes to its versatility and durability in a range of environments.
The PSI rating of concrete is a crucial factor in determining its strength and durability. A higher PSI indicates that the concrete can withstand more weight or pressure before failing. The PSI rating is influenced by factors such as the amount of Portland cement in the mix and the curing conditions. Capillary concrete's ability to withstand pressure of +1000 PSI makes it a strong and reliable material for various applications.
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Capillary concrete uses subsurface irrigation and moisture control
Capillary Concrete, also known as The Capillary Material, is a patented and engineered polymer-based concrete that can be used for subsurface irrigation and moisture control. It is the only building material that can effectively move water the same way it moves in soils and sand, through capillary action and gravity.
The Capillary Material combines macropores and micropores to move water downwards with the force of gravity for drainage and upwards against gravity through capillary force. The size of the pores is designed to be optimal for moisture to travel at the right pace and time. This prevents water from pooling on the surface, which can cause waterlogging and make the surface more prone to disease. Instead, rainwater is collected and used for subsurface irrigation, reducing the strain on water systems and providing an environmentally friendly alternative to regular irrigation.
The Capillary Material also enables the use of an open growing medium, allowing water and nutrients to move against gravity at the bottom of the root zone, resulting in the development of deep roots. This creates a firmer and drier surface, reducing weeds and disease pressure. The system is equipped with integrated drainage channels to manage excess water, especially during heavy rainfall.
By using subsurface irrigation, users can also distribute fertilizers and pesticides in the water, preventing the leaching of harmful substances into adjacent soil, surrounding water streams, or groundwater. The moisture level of the surface can be customized based on the intended use, and the Capillary Material can withstand harsh climates, including severe winter ground freezing conditions and large amounts of precipitation.
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Plastic cracking is a common defect in concrete structures
Plastic cracking is indeed a common defect in concrete structures, often occurring within the first few hours of concrete placement, while the concrete is still in its plastic stage. This phenomenon is known as plastic shrinkage cracking, and it can significantly reduce the durability and service life of a structure if not addressed.
Plastic shrinkage cracking is caused by a combination of factors, including the settlement of solid particles, bleeding, evaporation, capillary action, and surface finishing. These factors lead to a three-dimensional volume contraction, which, if restrained, results in plastic cracking. Specifically, when the rate of evaporation of surface moisture exceeds the rate at which rising bleed water can replace it, water recedes below the concrete surface, forming menisci between the fine particles of cement and aggregate. This causes tensile stresses to develop in the surface layers, leading to cracking.
Concrete is particularly susceptible to plastic shrinkage cracking when it has a reduced rate of bleeding or quantity of bleed water, even when evaporation rates are low. Factors that influence the rate or quantity of bleeding include high cementitious materials content, high fines content, reduced water content, entrained air, high concrete temperature, thinner sections, and the presence of silica fume. Additionally, any factor that delays the setting of concrete, such as cool weather, cool subgrades, high water contents, lower cement contents, retarders, water reducers, and supplementary cementing materials, increases the risk of plastic shrinkage cracking.
To minimize the occurrence of plastic shrinkage cracking, it is crucial to understand the susceptibility of the concrete mixture and monitor jobsite conditions. Precautions can then be taken to control adverse weather conditions, such as erecting temporary windbreaks, providing sunshades, scheduling placement during cooler times of the day, and using fog sprays to reduce the rate of evaporation. By taking these measures, the durability and aesthetics of concrete structures can be improved, ensuring they meet their intended design life.
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