Balikesir is a large province where fertile inland farming plains sit alongside the salt laden, humid maritime climate of coastal districts such as Ayvalik and Edremit. Near the coast the leading problem is the damage salty groundwater does to concrete and foundation materials; inland it is the water retention of clay heavy agricultural soil.
The Simav Fault Zone runs through the province, which means building foundations here have to be designed carefully for both waterproofing and ground stability. In Balikesir we treat coastal and inland projects separately, according to these two different ground profiles.
On projects in the coastal districts we use salt resistant membranes and injection materials, which largely prevents the corrosion that salty groundwater causes in concrete reinforcement.
For farm buildings and warehouses inland we design ground drainage so that agricultural irrigation water cannot reach the building foundation.
The three situations we meet most often in Balıkesir
Saline conditions in coastal districts. In districts under sea influence moisture and salt act together and accelerate corrosion of the reinforcement. Waterproofing here also serves to protect the concrete and the steel.
Freeze thaw inland. In districts away from the coast winter conditions are harsh. Water trapped beneath terrace and balcony finishes freezes and debonds the tiles.
Agricultural irrigation and surface water. On plots adjoining farmland, irrigation and surface water can raise the water table seasonally. The discharge level of the drainage line is determined carefully on these plots.
What we look at during the survey
Distance to the sea and signs of salt attack, marks of corrosion in the concrete, frost depth inland, the presence of adjoining farmland and irrigation channels, seasonal variation in the water table, surface falls and discharge options.