EVERY DROP COUNTS. Sewer systems are vital for public health and environmental protection. They collect and transport wastewater away from homes and businesses to treatment plants, preventing the spread of disease and pollution.
Early sewer systems, often simple open drains, date back to ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley. Modern sewer systems incorporate complex networks of pipes and lift stations to ensure safe and efficient wastewater collection and transportation to the wastewater treatment plants.
¹Source: EurEau Factsheets
²Source: Global Water Intelligence Report 2024
Types of damages per zone
Chemical damage
| Type of damage | What happens | Zones affected | Sides affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biogenic sulfuric acid attack | Bacteria in wastewater converts sulfates into sulfuric acid, which erodes the concrete. This is a major cause of damage in sewer systems. Ventilation and constant water flow helps reduce it. | A, B | Internal |
| Chloride attack | Chlorides from road salts or other sources can accelerate the corrosion of steel reinforcement within the concrete. | B, C | Internal |
| Impact of groundwater and soil contaminants | Harmful substances in surrounding soil and groundwater, such as sulfates, acids, and other aggressive chemicals, can penetrate concrete structures over time, leading to deterioration and reduced durability. | - | External |
Physical damage
| Type of damage | What happens | Zones affected | Sides affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erosion | The constant flow of wastewater can erode the concrete surface, especially in areas with high flow velocities or abrasive solids. | B, C | Internal |
| Abrasion | Solid particles in the wastewater can scrape against the concrete, causing wear and tear. | B, C | Internal |
| Root intrusion | Tree and plant roots can grow into the sewer pipes, causing cracks and blockages. | A, B, C | Internal/ external |
| Settlement and ground movement | Shifting ground can cause cracks and misalignments in the sewer pipes. | A, B, C | Internal/ external |
| Sedimentation | Solids can settle on the invert, reducing the pipe's capacity and potentially leading to blockages. | C | Internal |
Cracks
Localized defects in concrete and corrosion
Full degradation
1. Concrete Admixtures
Concrete admixtures for sewers improve the durability in harsh sewage environments by improving the waterproofing and reducing the concrete porosity. They also contribute to abrasion resistance.
Enabling sulfate, chloride and abrasion-resistant concrete
Sika ViscoCrete®
SikaFume®
Sika FerroGard®
2. Concrete Repair
Concrete repair mortars for sewers must resist chemical attack from wastewater, withstand constant moisture exposure, and maintain structural integrity in a harsh environment.
Structural concrete repair mortar
Sika MonoTop®-4012
Structural concrete repair mortar with high abrasion resistance
Sika MonoTop®-3400 Abraroc
Calcium aluminate concrete mortar with high resistance to biogenic acid attack
Sika MonoTop®-4400 MIC
4. Protection Against Chemical & Biogenic Sulfuric Acid Attack
Concrete protection coatings for sewers must resist a harsh chemical environment, including acids and gases, while also withstanding abrasion and water pressure.
Xolutec® protection and waterproofing system with high resistance to biogenic acid attack
Sikagard®-7000 CR
Calcium aluminate concrete mortar with high resistance to biogenic acid attack
Sika MonoTop®-4400 MIC
Sika's Expert Knowhow & Solutions
Systems Plus Knowhow: Sika's Holistic Approach to Water Infrastructure
Sika empowers water infrastructure owners, architects, engineers, operators, and contractors with comprehensive support, ensuring project success.
Our commitment extends beyond providing high-quality products; we offer:
Expert Guidance
- In-depth technical advice and assistance throughout the project lifecycle.
- Comprehensive support for refurbishment projects, including specification development, detailing, method statements, and application guidance.
- Expertise in designing new structures for long-term durability.
Cost-Effective Solutions
- Sika's expertise minimizes overall project costs by optimizing performance and extending service life.
Comprehensive Product Portfolio
Sika delivers a complete range of durable and reliable solutions specifically engineered for demanding water infrastructure applications, including:
- Concrete admixtures
- Waterproofing membranes
- Concrete protection coatings
- Watertight joint systems
- Concrete repair and reinforcement systems
Sika’s Experts Provide Assistance to Benefit your Business
Local Contact
Contact a Sika expert near you for technical support and locally available products and systems.
Global Project Support
Sika’s Project Support Team provides in-depth consultative support for our full product range and represents a single point of contact into the extensive Sika network of experts. Please contact us to learn more or inquire specifically on your current project(s).
