ExtEndEd AbstrAct:The data of studies on the effectiveness of impregnation with polysulfide solutions of shell limestone used as facing and wall material, as well as for the manufacture of road products are presented. Modification of the limestone with the impregnating composition «Akvastat» created by the authors which is sulfur-containing water-based solution of calcium polysulfide containing alcohols and surfactants, can significantly reduce water absorption and increase durability of limestone.Impregnating composition on the basis of calcium polysulfide possesses density of 1.22-1.24 g/cm 3 , the infiltrant penetrates into the pore structure of limestone to a depth of 4 cm or more, depending on the density and structure of the sample. While the material is drying, sulfur nanoparticles are crystallized from the polysulfide solution in its pores. They partially fill pore space and form protective durable insoluble hydrophobic coating that impedes the penetration of

ExtEndEd AbstrAct:The results of research on hydrophobic impregnation of dense concrete with composition «Aquastat» designed for manufacture of road and airfield plates are presented. It was found that after having been treated with waterrepellent agent the concrete sample is resistant to wetting, i.e. it gets hydrophobic properties. At the same time the water absorption of the samples treated for 24 hours at atmospheric pressure is reduced in three times, and soaked for 0.5 hours under vacuum decreases 5.5 times. It was revealed that the hydrophobic properties of fine-grained concrete impregnated with «Aquastat» may be at

PORE STRUCTURE MODIFICATION OF CEMENT CONCRETES BY IMPREGNATION WITH SULFUR-CONTAINING COMPOUNDSThe authors study how the impregnation with sulfur-containing compounds changes the concrete pore structure and how it influences on the water absorption and watertightness. The results of this research indicate that impregnation of cement concrete with water-based solution of polysulphide modifies pore structure of cement concrete in such a way that it decreases total and effective porosity, reduces water absorption and increases watertightness. The proposed impregnation based on mineral helps to protect for a long time the most vulnerable parts of buildings -basements, foundations, as well as places on the facades of buildings exposed to rain, snow and groundwater. Application of the new product in the construction industry can increase the durability of materials, preventing the destruction processes caused by weathering, remove excess moisture in damp basements. The surfaces treated by protective compounds acquire antisoiling properties for a long time, and due to reduced thermal conductivity the cost of heating buildings is decreased. The effectiveness of the actions and the relatively low cost of proposed hydrophobizator makes it possible to spread widely the proposed protection method for building structures.

The problem of creating reliable protective coatings that increase the mechanical characteristics of concrete building structures (piles, bridges, ceiling arches, tunnels, chutes, culverts, wells, paving slabs and curbs, etc.) operated under the influence of atmospheric factors and groundwater is of great importance. Currently, the most effective way to prevent degradation of materials is the application of various kinds of protective compounds. That protects against various factors of aggressive natural and manmade impact and thus allows increasing the durability of buildings and structures by reducing the amount of water penetrating into the pores. To provide long-term protection of building materials, it is proposed to treat porous surfaces of building materials with a new sulfur-containing compound. The innovative developed impregnating composition is based on sulfur and it provides protection of building materials of different nature from weathering and corrosive media for a long time. Modification of the proposed composition can significantly improve performance and increase the service life of building materials.