Construction of the first phase of the Kevili Farmers' Cooperative grain terminal in Mäo, Estonia, was completed in October 2024. PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, was specified to keep the new concrete silos impermeable to moisture and water – ensuring the stored crops are kept dry.

Construction of the first phase of the Kevili Farmers' Cooperative grain terminal in Mäo, Estonia, was completed in October 2024. PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, was specified to keep the new concrete silos impermeable to moisture and water - ensuring the stored crops are kept dry.

Located about 83 km (51 miles) southeast of Tallinn, the country's capital, Mäo is a small village in northern-central Estonia. Built by Mapri Ehitus, the project's general contractor, the new Kevili Farmers' Cooperative facility is the largest grain terminal in the region. The 50,000-ton capacity terminal is only the first phase of construction; a second phase expansion, which will add another 75,000 tons of capacity, is set for completion by mid-2025. Total investment in the new grain terminals is estimated at €23 million (US$ 23.9 million).

Thanks to PENETRON ADMIX, the non-soluble crystalline network that formed throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete gives treated structures the ability to self-heal and seal any microcracks, pores and capillaries that may occur in the future.

"To ensure the quality of the freshly harvested grain, you need to be able to store it quickly, ideally, right here in the vicinity," explains Hannes Prits, Head of the Kevili Farmers' Cooperative. "The new grain terminals in Mäo solve the previous bottleneck we had during harvest season, when farmers needed to move thousands of tons of grain at once. Now the big farms across Central Estonia can work with our Cooperative."

The new Mäo terminal maintains a number of grain storage silos. Grain silos are a critical part of the agriculture industry, providing safe and efficient storage capacity for grain. Careful monitoring of the temperature and moisture within the silos is necessary to prevent contamination of the stored grain. The bases of the concrete silos must be impermeable to prevent moisture from penetrating into the silo and damaging the stored grain inside.

"For example, if any water or moisture seeps through a silo from any source and the moisture level rises above a critical level, the risk of insect infestation, as well as mold and the sprouting of grains, increases," adds Andrus Sõna, CEO of Penmaster OÜ, the local Penetron representative. "This can severely affect grain quality and the final tonnage that would be processed."

Because the project's below-grade concrete structures, most importantly the tunnel connecting the grain silos from below, would be exposed to possible flooding from the nearby river and high groundwater levels typical of the region, Mapri Ehitus required an effective concrete waterproofing solution for the below-grade tunnel.

PENETRON ADMIX, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, was added to the concrete mix for the underground tunnel. The treated concrete structure is now impermeable and resistant to deterioration caused by water penetration and resulting corrosion of the embedded reinforcement steel, while withstanding hydrostatic pressure from groundwater.

"Thanks to PENETRON ADMIX, the non-soluble crystalline network that formed throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete gives treated structures the ability to self-heal and seal any microcracks, pores and capillaries that may occur in the future. The new tunnel of the Kevili Farmers' Cooperative facility will remain waterproof for the service life of the concrete," concludes Andrus Sõna.

The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels.

For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.