When reviewing reference standards, a single word can make the difference between a requirement that is mandatory, versus one that is recommended or optional. The same is true of specifications, although in that case, most if not all requirements should be written as being mandatory. The words shall, should, and may are the focus of […]
The Use of Shall, Should and May in Coating Specifications and Standards Read More »
New SSPC/NACE wet abrasive blast cleaning (WAB) standards were approved in August 2015. The standards define five degrees of cleaning that are created using a mixture of abrasive and water. The mixture is created in one of three ways: water is injected into the dry abrasive blast stream, abrasive is injected into a pressurized water
New SSPC/NACE Wet Abrasive Blast Cleaning Standards Read More »
Painting specifications identify the facility or building owner’s requirements for the selection and use of coatings for both the protection of substrates and aesthetics. The specifications identify the requirements for surface preparation and coating application; the materials to be applied, often by brand name; color schemes; and expectations for quality control and documentation (Fig. 1).
Editing the Trouble Out of Painting Specifications Read More »
In commercial buildings, the uncontrolled intrusion of moisture into concrete and masonry walls may have costly consequences. Moisture supports the growth of mold, and causes wall coatings to blister and peel. It also saturates insulation, reducing energy efficiency. In extreme cases, moisture intrusion leads to spalling and could even necessitate wall replacement. Coatings and water
Mitigating Moisture in Concrete and Masonry Walls Read More »
High-strength bolts have been used to assemble steel structures for over 60 years, supported by research conducted by the Research Council on Riveted and Bolted Structural Joints (RCRBSJ). RCRBSJ was founded in 1947 but is now known as the Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC). Despite the long history of use, there is still confusion
Painting Bolted Connections for Bridges Read More »
Using project specs and standards to achieve surface cleanliness before coating application is the focus of the newest installment in the PaintSquare Video Learning Center series. “Surface Cleaning” is one of 19 videos in the original instructional series, which explores multiple aspects of protective coatings work. “Surface Cleaning,” part of the PaintSquare Video Learning Center
Surface Cleanliness – Knowing When It’s Clean Enough to Coat Read More »
An ounce of inspection may be worth a pound of do-over. Cleaning and painting commercial buildings comes with extensive challenges. The paint does not always perform as expected. In some cases, poor performance is caused by problems with the building itself. In others, it is caused by a failure to comply with the specification and
Spot Assessments of Ongoing Cleaning and Painting Projects Read More »
The establishment of SSPC’s five commercial coating committees marks a second major expansion of the scope of the Society. Founded in 1950, mainly through the efforts of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), SSPC took as its scope the technology of cleaning and painting steel in industrial and public works environments. Indeed, until the mid 1980s, persons of prominence
SSPC Commercial Coatings Progress Update Read More »
This is Part 2 of a 2-part series describing the instrumentation used to inspect the quality of cleaning and painting. Part 1 described the instruments used for determining the quality of cleaning and paint. Part 2 addresses moisture detection. The moisture content of the concrete should be determined prior to painting. In the author’s experience,
Tools and Techniques for Measuring Coating Quality- Part 2, Moisture Detection Read More »
When you spend money on a product or service, you expect quality, regardless of the cost. If you purchase the most inexpensive Chevrolet that is made, you still expect quality. While the braking system in the Chevrolet may be less sophisticated than a Mercedes, the brakes better work and exhibit quality commensurate with its design.
Tools and Techniques for Measuring Coating Quality- Part 1, Cleaning and Painting Read More »