Marine structures like breakwaters (which dissipate wave energy) and seawalls (which protect coastlines from erosion and flooding) face relentless exposure to saltwater (or sometimes, just fresh water in lakes), waves, tidal cycles, abrasion from sand and debris, and other mechanical stresses. Worldwide, most such structures are made of concrete, usually with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) as the binder.
Rebar is very commonly installed for added strength, but chloride-induced rebar corrosion is often the primary deterioration mechanism. Unreinforced or mass concrete elements may degrade more slowly buy still suffer from chemical reactions with seawater, surface erosion, and thermal or mechanical stresses.
Ancient Roman breakwaters, piers, and seawalls have endured for over 2,000 years in harsh saltwater conditions, often growing stronger rather than degrading.
Eternite’s Aeternum, a reinvented Roman cement, is the ideal binder for concrete for marine structures because it self-heals and becomes stronger over time when exposed to water.
