Protect Your Pavement This Winter
MCE and Pavix safeguard infrastructure
from freeze/thaw damage and deicing chemicals
With winter upon us, the focus shifts to ensuring our infrastructure can withstand the harsh conditions ahead. Frost and ice on roadways and bridges present a significant safety issue, while the constant fluctuation between freezing and thawing temperatures creates a relentless cycle of damage. When water penetrates porous concrete, it freezes, expands and exerts immense internal pressure. This process leads to surface scaling, cracking and eventual structural weakness. The deicing chemicals necessary for public safety can compound the problem by increasing saturation and promoting chloride ion intrusion, which, in turn, corrodes reinforcing steel. Advanced solutions are available, specifically engineered to combat these winter-related challenges, protecting your investment and enhancing public safety. Building resilience from the inside out The first step in creating durable concrete is building strength from within. MCE™ is a multi-crystalline admixture integrated directly into the concrete mix during batching. It works proactively by forming a dense, internal crystalline network that minimizes porosity and blocks the microscopic pathways where water travels. This internal fortification prepares the concrete to face the elements from day one. |
 | By integrating MCE, you create a concrete matrix with enhanced freeze/thaw resistance, proven to reduce mass loss by up to 91.6% in ASTM C666 testing. The admixture also improves hydration, increasing compressive strength and creating a barrier that impedes the penetration of deicing salts. The integration of MCE into your concrete mix results in a pavement that is more resistant to ice adhesion, reducing the amount of deicing brine needed—as demonstrated in the recent Highway 5 Bridge project in Centerville, Iowa, as well as rigorous independent laboratory testing by the CMT Testing laboratory in Des Moines, Iowa. The real-world benefits of this powerful technology are clear. |
Your first line of defense against surface damage While MCE protects from within, Pavix® provides a crucial external shield. As a patented, dual-crystalline penetrating sealer, Pavix is applied to the concrete surface to deliver exceptional protection against water, moisture and salts. Its dual-action technology penetrates the substrate to create a subsurface barrier, combining pore-blocking and pore-lining crystals that stop water intrusion before it starts. This unique formula not only prevents saturation but also allows the concrete to breathe and desaturate faster, as proven in a University of Missouri- Kansas City study.  Recently, the Louisiana Department of Transportation selected Pavix to protect multiple bridge surfaces across the state to help delay and prevent frost and ice accumulation. This will help minimize damage from winter maintenance operations. Ideal for large-scale infrastructure like airport runways, highways and bridges, Pavix is an essential tool for surface preservation. A combined strategy for unmatched durability Using MCE and Pavix together offers a comprehensive defense system for concrete pavement. MCE builds inherent strength and low permeability into the concrete matrix, while Pavix adds a robust external shield that stops moisture at the surface. This synergistic approach provides maximum protection against freeze/thaw cycles and deicing chemicals, significantly extending the service life of critical infrastructure. Don't wait for the first freeze to think about concrete protection. Reach out to ICC Distribution today to discuss your project needs and prepare your infrastructure for the demanding season ahead. |
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