Sulfuric Acid & Steel & Concrete

[epitome1170]

I am currently working on an industrial project in which there are vats of diluted sulfuric acid (such as for a galvanizing plant). In general, none of this acid will ever reach that slab-on-grade, but there will be instances in which I am sure it will spill occasionally. Also, the vapors being emitted will rise to the ceiling.

The thought is that this will be a precast structure with steel hangers for the hoist beams. Is there any special admixtures I can add to the concrete to help deter the effects on the concrete? Also, is galvanizing the steel a waste of the owner's money, since galvanizing just disolves by the acid anyway? Is there another substance that can be applied to the steel?

I was hoping someone else may have some sort of experience with this type of application.

 

[Ron]

Epoxy coating. Proper selection for both the concrete and the steel will go a long way toward protection from sulfuric acid.

 

[frv]

Keep w/c ratio very low and perhaps add silica fume to the concrete.

 

[JStephen]

In vessel work, it is generally the assumption that the owner, based on past experience, will specify any special provisions to deal with whatever specialty chemicals or special conditions are involved. I would suggest applying this approach to the case at hand.