Surface treatment of the Secretariat Building, Chandigarh, India using selected concrete sealers for protection from environmental deterioration

The Secretariat Building is located inside the Chandigarh, Capitol Complex, India. The exterior surface of the building has deteriorated due to weathering effects. The aim of the present study was to assess efficacy of selected protective materials on exposed heritage reinforced concrete surface of the Secretariat Building for restoration. Selected concrete sealers and Evercrete DPS with essential oil of peppermint and eucalyptus were evaluated for UV degradation yellowing test on white cement panels, accelerated ageing test on concrete beams up to 5 years, field trial on the exterior surface of the Secretariat Building up to 38 weeks and test for determining the water absorption on concrete cores (ASTM D 6489-99) up to 4 years. The result reveals that Konex WRA-2318 and La Shield WR Xtra are effective for surface treatment of the Secretariat Building without changing the colour of the surface up to 4 and 2 years respectively.