Rich Burgess

coating failure

The Sky is Falling! Or is it Paint Chips? Failure of a Dry-Fall Coating Applied to the Interior of Previously Painted Metal Decking

This Month’s Case Was Selected From Several Investigations Related To Failures That Occur When Applying Coating To The Underside Of Metal Deck Panels (Fig. 1). This Case Focuses On An Adhesion Failure Of Coatings Applied To Previously Painted Deck Panels. A paint contracting company was hired to apply an epoxy ester dry-fall coating to portions […]

The Sky is Falling! Or is it Paint Chips? Failure of a Dry-Fall Coating Applied to the Interior of Previously Painted Metal Decking Read More »

F-Files: Mechanisms of Failure- Failure at the Jail

This article describes the failure of coatings applied to the concrete floors of a county detention facility. The structure is a multistory building with modular cells and concrete floors on each inmate level. The main structural floors were constructed of lightweight aggregate and the mezzanine floors constructed of a normal-weight aggregate. The facility was relatively

F-Files: Mechanisms of Failure- Failure at the Jail Read More »

The “Whoas” of Solvent Entrapment and Release

Whoa! Hold on! How much thinner do you plan to add? What thinner do you plan to add? The data sheet says you can add up to 10% by volume.Even so, it is not uncommon to see painters (or painters’ helpers) estimating thinner addition. It takes an experienced applicator who can save precious time by

The “Whoas” of Solvent Entrapment and Release Read More »

MnDOT’s Approach to Improving Bridge Maintenance Painting Operations

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) conducted a one-day seminar on bridge maintenance painting strategy and project design in May of 2013. One outcome of that seminar was the realization that MnDOT needed a more uniform method to rate the condition of coatings statewide during biennial bridge safety (in conjunction with the new AASHTO Manual

MnDOT’s Approach to Improving Bridge Maintenance Painting Operations Read More »

From Bond Breakers to Sealants: Anathema to Painting of Concrete

Concrete is a very utilitarian construction material used to create highways; bridge decks; construction blocks; tilt-up wall panels; floors on grade or elevation; tanks; secondary containment structures; kitchen countertops; textured, stamped or molded reliefs; and more … amazing. Consider the overall “natural” appearance of concrete and how dull it would be if all concrete structures were available

From Bond Breakers to Sealants: Anathema to Painting of Concrete Read More »

demineralized water storage tank

Installation Woes of a Lining in a Demineralized Water Storage Tank

This month’s case from the F-Files concerns the application of a high performance liner in a steel demineralized water storage tank, or a demin tank.  Demineralized (purified) water can be particularly aggressive in service when even minute traces of soluble salt contamination are present on a coated substrate.  Therefore is not uncommon to see soluble

Installation Woes of a Lining in a Demineralized Water Storage Tank Read More »

overcoating failure

Overcoating: Maintenance or Mayhem?

Whether a bridge, tank, pipeline, vessel, manufacturing facility, architectural structure or amusement park ride, at some point there will be a need for maintenance painting. The “paint guy” will share responsibility with those involved in general maintenance, funding, prioritizing, public relations and safety.Those familiar with maintenance painting may recall the four maintenance painting strategies: Do

Overcoating: Maintenance or Mayhem? Read More »