Tech Bulletin - Concrete Testing for SG2 and SG3_082825.pdf
3 Pages
321 KB
Download
<h1>Tech Bulletin - Concrete Testing for SG2 and SG3_082825.pdf</h1> <p>AQUAFIN Inc. <br />505 Blue Ball Rd. #160 <br />Elkton, MD 21921 <br />p: 410-392-2300 <br />e: info@aquafin.net <br />e: technical@aquafin.net <br />w: www.aquafin.net</p> <p>Technical Bulletin</p> <p>Concrete Testing for VAPORTIGHT COAT®-SG2 and -SG3 <br />Recommended Testing and Evaluation Procedures for Concrete Floor and Concrete Deck <br />Slabs Prior to Application of VAPORTIGHT COAT®-SG2 and VAPORTIGHT COAT®-SG3 <br />There are several tests and evaluations that are commonly recommended prior to the application of liquid-applied epoxy-based topical vapor barriers: <br />• Concrete Core Sample Analysis <br />• Water Drop Test (ASTM F3191) <br />• Concrete Moisture Testing (ASTM F1869 and ASTM F2170) <br />• Visual Inspection and CSP Chip Comparison (ICRI Guideline No. 310-2R-2013)</p> <p>Concrete Core Sample Analysis</p> <p>There are limits on levels of specific contaminants that may be present in the concrete, these limits may inhibit the use of Aquafin’s VAPORTIGHT COATSG2 or VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3. If these limits are surpassed, the potential for product failure increases. Our experience indicates that a visual <br />inspection alone is insufficient to determine whether the concrete is prepared to accept a fluid-applied resin-based topical vapor barrier. <br />The analysis of concrete core samples involves the extraction of concrete cores, which are subsequently examined by a certified testing agency for the <br />detection of penetrating sealers, chlorides, oil, grease, chemical cleaners, and various other contaminants that are recognized as factors leading to <br />coating failures. The levels of these contaminants are quantified in ppm (parts per million). <br />Aquafin advises performing concrete core sampling analysis on substrates that have undergone coating, flooring, membrane, or roofing failures, fire <br />damage, exposure to chemical cleaners or solvents, or oil and grease exposure, as well as on concrete slabs with an unknown history. This analysis <br />can effectively determine the depth of contaminants within the concrete cores, identify the types of contaminants present, and estimate the extent of the <br />concrete surface that may necessitate mechanical removal. Cores should be taken from any areas that show signs of contamination, such as regions with <br />increased gloss, discoloration, or darkening. <br />It is advisable to extract at least three concrete cores (with diameters ranging from 1” to 4” and lengths from 1” to 4”) from the slab intended for treatment. <br />The total number of cores needed will depend on various factors, including the total square footage, the slab’s history, the building or structure’s history, <br />the age of the building or structure, the location of the building structure, visible signs of contamination, and other relevant considerations. <br />The extracted cores must subsequently undergo testing by a credible independent testing firm that specializes in concrete core analysis and generates a <br />written report, Mineralogy, Inc. is an example of one of these labs. <br />Mineralogy, Inc. <br />3321 East 27th Street <br />Tulsa, OK 74114 <br />https://mineralogy-inc.com <br />1-877-744-8284 (toll free) or 918-744-8284</p> <p>After selecting a laboratory, please request the laboratory conduct analyses of the cores based on the following tests:</p> <p>1. Ion Chromatography (ION), sample depth 0–1/8” (0–3 mm) and 1/8” to 1/4” (3–6 mm) for Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Sulfate (SO4) and <br />Chloride (Cl) content in ppm. <br />2. Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), sample depth 0–1/8” (0–3 mm), reporting possible organic content (oil, grease, solvent based strippers, etc.) in ppm <br />and/or %. <br />3. (Optional) Thin Section Petrographic is optional, but is recommended to detect alkali silica reaction (ASR) if areas are believed to be prone to ASR. <br />Historically and geographically, the use of certain aggregates that contribute to ASR have been most prevalent in the Midwest, Southwest, Rocky <br />Mountains, and West Coast regions. <br />• Once the testing laboratory has completed the testing and furnished a report, we ask that it is forwarded to Aquafin Technical Department as soon <br />as possible. <br />• Aquafin is happy to provide guidance with interpreting the report. <br />Check our website for the latest version of this technical document. Only the current version is legally binding - and only for the intended market. In cases of uncertainty <br />contact our technical department for further information before starting any applications. <br />www.aquafin.net <br />Page 1 of 3 <br />(08/28/25-EK,VB,AC)</p> <p>Concrete Testing for VAPORTIGHT COAT®-SG2 and -SG3 <br />• We require at least 48 hours to review the data analysis and other key information contained in the report to determine appropriate surface <br />preparation recommendations in the areas where cores were pulled. <br />• Most often, there are specific types of surface preparation materials and/or methods to remedy contamination issues such as the application of <br />MORTAR-Screed CI as a separation screed. <br />Notes: All costs for core extraction and laboratory analysis are the responsibility of the project owner and/or building owner. It is important that adequate <br />time is built into the project schedule to allow for core extraction, testing, evaluation, and report review. The amount of additional time required can vary, <br />but it typically averages between 45 to 90 days.</p> <p>Separation Screed:</p> <p>There are times when Aquafin will require or recommend the application of MORTAR-Screed CI within a response letter to a core sample analysis report. <br />A separation screed may be needed for one or more of the following reasons: <br />• To replace the depth of concrete that has been mechanically removed as part of remediation efforts to eliminate or reduce concentrations of <br />certain types of chemical contaminants <br />• To separate VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2 and VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 from the existing concrete and provide a more suitable substrate</p> <p>Application of MORTAR-Screed CI (as a separation screed):</p> <p>1. Execute all mechanical abrasion tasks when removing concrete as part of chemical remediation processes. <br />2. Mechanically profile the concrete slab to achieve a concrete surface profile (CSP) ranging from 5 to 7 in accordance with ICRI Guideline No. 3012R-2013. The preferred methods include steel shot blasting and hydro blasting (high-pressure water blasting at a minimum of 5,000 psi). <br />3. Rigorously clean the prepared concrete surface using potable water with a high-pressure water blast (minimum 4,000 psi) at the nozzle. <br />4. A <br /> pply a scrubcoat of MORTAR-Screed CI. <br />5. While the scrubcoat is still fresh/wet, apply MORTAR-Screed CI as a separation screed. <br />6. Permit MORTAR-Screed CI to cure for no less than 24 hours. <br />7. Brush blast the surface of MORTAR-Screed CI with smallest steel shot to achieve a minimum CSP 3 profile. <br />8. S <br /> weep and vacuum the surface to remove all dust and debris. <br />9. C <br /> lean the surface of MORTAR-Screed CI using potable water and a pressure washer or jet blaster. Ensure the concrete is SSD (saturated surface dry), <br />which means it should be damp (not dry). Avoid any standing water before applying VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2 or VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3. <br />Note: Consult the latest VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2, VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3, or MORTAR-Screed CI Technical Data Sheets for detailed information <br />and instructions.</p> <p>Water Drop Test (ASTM F3191)</p> <p>Liquid-applied epoxy-based topical vapor barriers such as VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2 and VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 require an open, absorptive, <br />porous concrete condition in order to penetrate into the concrete, achieve a sufficient bond, and perform as intended. In order to confirm that the concrete <br />can readily absorb VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2 or VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3, Aquafin strongly recommends performing water drop tests according to <br />ASTM F3191. <br />1. When performing ASTM F3191, beading water drops signal a non-absorptive condition. <br />2. If the bead does not absorb, continue to perform additional mechanical profiling until ASTM F3191 verifies a pass condition. <br />3. If additional profiling does not remedy the non-absorptive condition, contact Aquafin Technical Department. <br />Notes: Due to the unknown variables, multiple passes with mechanical abrasion equipment may be required and we recommend that the surface <br />preparation is not bid at a flat rate. Concrete core sample analysis can be very beneficial in this scenario, as it will pinpoint the depth of contaminants <br />in the concrete and estimate how much of the surface will need to be removed to achieve a porous concrete surface and most likely achieve a pass <br />condition.</p> <p>Concrete Moisture Testing (ASTM F1869 and ASTM F2170)</p> <p>Most manufacturers of fluid-applied moisture barriers necessitate moisture testing of concrete on both new and existing slabs to ascertain the appropriate <br />application thickness, the number of coats needed, and to ensure warranty eligibility. It is important to note that moisture testing serves merely as a <br />guideline and can be affected by environmental conditions. <br />Moisture testing is not mandatory for the Aquafin VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2, VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 and VAPORTIGHT COAT SG4 products. <br />Nonetheless, there are instances when concrete moisture testing might still be required, or it could be beneficial for the project, such as: <br />• To meet project specifications when moisture testing has been mandated <br />Check our website for the latest version of this technical document. <br />www.aquafin.net <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />(08/28/25-EK,VB,AC)</p> <p>Concrete Testing for VAPORTIGHT COAT®-SG2 and -SG3 <br />• To substantiate the labor and material expenses within the project budget for the application of a liquid-applied epoxy-based topical moisture <br />barrier like VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2 or VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 <br />• To document and record the extent of the concrete moisture condition at a specific moment in time</p> <p>Interior Concrete Slabs: <br />For interior concrete slabs, current industry-accepted standard tests methods for moisture testing include: <br />• ASTM F1869 - used to determine moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) by means of an anhydrous calcium chloride test <br />• ASTM F2170 - used to determine relative humidity (RH) by means of an in-situ probe and meter</p> <p>Exterior Concrete Slabs: <br />For exterior concrete slabs industry-accepted standard test methods are currently being discussed within various industry committees. In the meantime, to <br />obtain an approximate measurement of the moisture in exterior concrete slabs, Aquafin recommends a combination of the following two tests and then <br />comparing the results. <br />• ASTM F2170 - used to determine relative humidity (RH) by means of an in-situ probe and meter <br />•S <br /> urface MC (moisture content) testing using a meter</p> <p>Visual Inspection and CSP Chip Comparison (ICRI Guideline No. 310-2R-2013)</p> <p>VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG2 and VAPORTIGHT COAT-SG3 require the surface of the concrete to be mechanically profiled to a concrete surface profile <br />(CSP) of 3 to 5 per the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) Guideline No. 310-2R-2013. (See CSP chip photos below.) A complete set of CSP <br />chips (1 to 10) can be ordered from the ICRI website store: https://store.icri.org/item/pc110-concrete-surface-profile-chip-set-set-10-342526. Aquafin <br />recommends to visually compare the mechanically profiled concrete surface to the texture of CSP chips #3, #4, and #5 to verify that the correct profile <br />(texture) has been achieved. If the surface of the concrete is smoother than a #3 or rougher than a #5, perform additional mechanical profiling until the <br />correct surface profile has been reached throughout the application area. <br />Notes: Shot blasting, and hydro blasting (high pressure water-blasting at > 5,000 psi) are the preferred methods of mechanical preparation. Acid or <br />chemical etching are not allowed and a broom finish on new concrete as a substitute for mechanical preparation is not acceptable.</p> <p>Examples of CSP Chips 3 to 5:</p> <p>CSP #3</p> <p>CSP #4</p> <p>CSP #5</p> <p>Additional Notes: <br />•A <br /> s a manufacturer, we cannot determine whether removing a specific depth of concrete will compromise a slab’s structural integrity. If mechanical <br />removal is necessary, the Engineer must assess the slab’s load capacity and the stability of the structure. <br />• Every construction project is unique; no two are exactly the same. Likewise, concrete slab characteristics will vary between projects. Site-specific <br />conditions may require specialized surface preparation procedures or the use of particular application techniques. In the event of atypical conditions or <br />project constraints, please contact Aquafin Technical Department for guidance. <br />• P lease contact Aquafin’s Technical Department for any questions about concrete core sample analysis, separation screeds, water drop tests, concrete <br />surface profiles, mechanical preparation, or any other testing, preparation method, or condition described above. <br />Check our website for the latest version of this technical document. Only the current version is legally binding - and only for the intended market. In cases of uncertainty <br />contact our technical department for further information before starting any applications. <br />www.aquafin.net <br />Page 3 of 3 <br />(08/28/25-EK,VB,AC)</p>
