Funding/Research Supports
Ontario Ministry of Transportation/ Ministère des Transports de l’Ontario
Project Status
Active
Project Overview
Research identifies environmental conditions, particularly temperature and relative humidity, as key factors affecting concrete drying and waterproofing performance. High temperatures accelerate moisture loss and shrinkage, while low temperatures delay drying, making it difficult to achieve optimal bonding conditions. Moisture gradients within concrete further influence durability, especially under Canada’s variable climate.
To address these challenges, this research focuses on developing sustainable and climate-resilient strategies for optimizing concrete drying time and moisture conditions. A combined laboratory and field-based approach is used to evaluate moisture movement, relative humidity, and bond strength of waterproofing membranes under different environmental scenarios.
The goal is to improve the durability and resilience of transportation infrastructure by identifying optimal conditions for waterproofing application. The study investigates moisture-related mechanisms such as shrinkage, bond degradation, and surface defects while promoting efficient construction practices.
Expected outcomes include enhanced bond performance, reduced maintenance needs, extended service life, and lower environmental impact. In addition, the program supports the training of highly qualified personnel (HQP), equipping future engineers with expertise in sustainable materials, moisture control, and climate-adaptive infrastructure design. Overall, this research advances practical and sustainable solutions for durable waterproofing systems, ensuring reliable and long-lasting performance of concrete infrastructure under changing environmental conditions.