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Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.
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Home > Tools > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the importance of proper drainage in concrete structures? A. Inadequate drainage permits ponding, and harmful solutions, such as those from deicing salts, that are ponded on concrete might penetrate into concrete and cause deterioration. With proper drainage, these harmful solutions are kept from easily penetrating into concrete. In colder climates, improper drainage can lead to water being trapped in or on the surface of concrete. When this water freezes, it expands, potentially cause cracks or spalling in the concrete. At the base of concrete structures like piers, water that is not properly drained can cause erosion undermining the foundation and leading to instability or even structural failure. For below-grade structures like basements or retaining walls, inadequate drainage can result in increased hydrostatic pressure from water-saturated soils. This pressure can lead to cracking, leakage or even the collapse of structure. References: SP-1(02); ACI 201.1R-08; ACI 302.1R-15 Topics in Concrete: Durability; Slab
Q. What is the importance of proper drainage in concrete structures?
A. Inadequate drainage permits ponding, and harmful solutions, such as those from deicing salts, that are ponded on concrete might penetrate into concrete and cause deterioration. With proper drainage, these harmful solutions are kept from easily penetrating into concrete. In colder climates, improper drainage can lead to water being trapped in or on the surface of concrete. When this water freezes, it expands, potentially cause cracks or spalling in the concrete. At the base of concrete structures like piers, water that is not properly drained can cause erosion undermining the foundation and leading to instability or even structural failure. For below-grade structures like basements or retaining walls, inadequate drainage can result in increased hydrostatic pressure from water-saturated soils. This pressure can lead to cracking, leakage or even the collapse of structure.
References: SP-1(02); ACI 201.1R-08; ACI 302.1R-15
Topics in Concrete: Durability; Slab
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