This study investigates the effectiveness of concrete protection with two inorganic silicate sealer materials (ISSMs). The Taguchi method and grey relational analysis (GRA) have been used to identify the key factors influencing concrete protection provided by the surface treatment. Seven control factors with two levels were selected. By using the orthogonal array L12 (2⁷), 12 experiments are chosen and four tests-the compressive strength test, resistivity test, absorption test and permeability test-were performed. Results have shown that the major factors affecting the protection effectiveness of ISSM are the water-binder ratio of mortar substrate, age of substrate for sealer application, addition of pozzolanic material and sealer type.
Keywords: Taguchi method; grey relational analysis; inorganic silicate sealer material; multi-quality characteristics.