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 »
Specification writers, contractors, and coating manufacturers, at one time or another, have been blamed when installed coatings fail to meet service life expectations. However, rarely does the wrath of Mother Nature receive the blame for premature coating failure. In this Cases from the F-Files, an interior roof coating system reportedly failed because of localized impact
The Case of the Mysterious Hailstones [Premature Coating Failure] 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 »
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 »
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 »
KTA Video Learning Series – Positest Air Leak Tester Read More »
KTA Video Learning Series – Concrete Moisture Testing Read More »
Background of Design Specifications – Five stations of a commuter rail transportation system were exhibiting corrosion and coating adhesion problems. The train stations were constructed approximately six years prior to observed coating failure. The steel surfaces (column covers, wall and ceiling cladding, soffit, security screens and structural support systems) were to receive a porcelain enamel protective
Premature Corrosion of Porcelain Enamel-Coated Panels Read More »
Concrete Floor Coatings Forensics Case History- Part 2 When examining a coating problem in the laboratory, background information gathered during discussions with the involved parties and information obtained during a field investigation help to direct the course of the laboratory investigation. The background information collected for this case was included in last month’s F-Files, “Concrete
Concrete Floor Coatings Forensics Case History — Part 2 Read More »
The field phase of this concrete floor coatings forensics case history included five steps: project familiarization and interview; moisture detection; coating thickness measurements; adhesion testing; and microscopic examination, sample collection and photographic documentation.This edition of the F-Files presents the field investigation undertaken to determine the cause of a concrete floor coating failure (Fig. 1). The
Concrete Floor Coatings Forensics Case History — Part 1, Field Investigation Phase Read More »