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Standard Specification for Producing a

Skid-Resistant Surface on Concrete by the Use of a


Multi-Component Epoxy System ( ACI 503.3-92,reapproved 1997, 2003)*
Reported by ACI Committee 503

R.W. Gaul George Selden


Chairman Secretary

Russell H. Brink Leonard J. Mitchell G.M. Scales


George Horeczko Myles A. Murray Raymond J. Schutz
Harold C. Klassen Leonard Pepper George W. Whitesides
Joseph A. McElroy

Committee voting on the 1992 revisions:

Raymond J. Schutz Myles A. Murray


Chairman Secretary

Milton D. Anderson David P. Hu Richard Montani


Roger W. Black T. Michael Jackson Joseph M. Plecnik
John P. Cook Troy D. Madeley Hamid Saadatmanesh
Floyd E. Dimmick Albert Mayer W. Glenn Smoak
Wolfgang E. Eisenhut Joseph A. McElroy Joe Solomon
Jack J. Fontana Paul F. McHale Michael M. Sprinkel
Robert W. Gaul Peter Mendis Douglas G. Walters
Paul R. Hollenbach

This specification describes rhe work of producing a skid-resistant surfaceStandard Specification 503.3 is a reference standard
on hardened concrete by the application of a multi-component epoxy which the Architect/Engineer may cite in the project spe-
adhesive such as defined for this purpose in ASTM C 881. It includes
cification(s) for any building project, together with sup-
controls for adhesive labeling, storage, handling, mixing nnd application,
surface evaluation and preparation as well as inspectron nnd quality plementary requirements for the specific project.
control. This specification is written in the section and three-part
format of the Construction Specifications Institute, but with
In addition, it describes an aggregate to be used with the coating.
the numbering system modified to ACI requirements. The
Keywords: aggregates; coatings; concrete pavements; epoxy resins; language is generally imperative and terse.
hardened concrete; quality control; skid resistance; specifications;
standards. A specification guide and checklist are included as a
preface to, but not forming a part of, Standard Specification
ACI 503.3. The purpose of this guide is to assist the Archi-
FOREWORD tect/Engineers designer(s) and specifier(s) to properly
choose and specify the necessary supplementary require-
This foreword is included for explanatory purposes only; it ments for the project specification(s).
does not form a part of Standard Specification ACI 503.3.

ACI Committee Reports, Guides, Standard Practices, and * Adopted as a standard of the American Concrete Institute effective June 1979,
Commentaries are intended for guidance in designing, plan- in accordance with the Institutes standardization procedure. It was revised
ning, executing, or inspecting construction and in preparing according to the expedited procedure effective March 1992.
specifications. References to these documents shall not be Copyright @ 1978 American Concrete Institute.
All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by
made in the Project Documents. If items found in these
any means. including the making of copies by any photo process, or by any elec-
documents are desired to be a part of the Project Docu- Ironic or mechanical device. printed or written or oral, or recording for sound or
ments, they should be phrased in mandatory language and visual reproduction or for use in any knowledge or retrieval system or device.
incorporated into the Project Documents. unless permission in writing is obtained from the copyright proprietors.

503.3-I
503.3-2 ACI STANDARD

SPECIFICATION GUIDE
Specification guide, pg. 503.3-2
SGl-Standard Specification ACI 503.3 is intended to
be used essentially in its entirety, by citation in the
Specification checklist, pg. 503.3-2 project specification, to cover all usual requirements for
producing a skid-resistant surface on concrete by the ap-
Section l-General requirements, pg. 503.3-4 plication of a multi-component epoxy system. Individual
sections, parts, and articles should not be copied into
l.l-Scope project specifications since taking them out of context
1.2-Notation may change their meanings.
1.3-Specification wording SG2-However, adjustments to the needs of a parti-
1.4-Reference standards cular project shall be made by the Architect/Engineers
designers and specifiers by reviewing each of the items
indicated in this specification guide and checklist and
Section 2-Materials and application, pg. 503.3-4 then including their decisions on each as mandatory re-
quirements in the project specification.
Part 2.1-Genera1, pg. 503.3-4 SG3-These mandatory requirements shall designate
specific qualities, procedures, materials, and performance
2.1.1-Description criteria for which alternatives are permitted or for which
2.1.2-Submittals provision is not made in Standard Specification ACI
2.1.3-Quality assurance 503.3. Or exceptions shall be taken to Standard Spe-
2.1.4-Delivery, storage, and handling cification ACI 503.3 if required.
2.1.5-Project conditions
SG4-A statement such as the following will serve to
Part 2.2-Products, pg. 503.3-5 make Standard Specification ACI 503.3 an official part of
the contract requirements:
2.2. l-Epoxy coating
2.2.2-Skid-resistant aggregate The producing of an epoxy system skid-resistant sur-
face on concrete shall conform to all requirements of
Standard Specification for Producing a Skid-Resistant
Part 2.3-Execution, pg. 503.3-5 Surface on Concrete by the Use of a Multi-Com-
ponent Epoxy System (ACI 503.3), published by the
2.3.1-Preparation of surfaces American Concrete Institute, Detroit, Mich., except as
2.3.2-Inspection of surface prior to coating modified by the requirements of this project speci-
application fication.
2.3.3-Coating mixes
2.3.4-Coating application SG5-The specification checklist that follows is ad-
2.3.5-Field quality control dressed to each item of ACI 503.3 that requires the
2.3.6-Cleanup designer/specifier to make a choice where alternates are
2.3.7-Safety indicated, or to add provisions where they are not in-
dicated in ACI 503.3, or to take exceptions to ACI 503.3.
The checklist consists of section, part, and article heads
of ACI 503.3, with accompanying notes to the designer/
specifier to indicate the action required of them.

SPECIFICATION CHECKLIST
Section/Part/Article of ACI 503.3 I Notes to the Designer/Specifier
Section l-General requirements
1.1 Scope Indicate specific scope.
1.4 Reference standards Review applicability of cited references and take excep-
tions if required.
Section 2-Materials and application
EPOXY RESINS 503.3-3

SPECIFICATION CHECKLIST (cont.)

Section/Part/Article of ACI 503.3 Notes to the Designer/Specifier

2.1.2 Submittals To whom sent?


2.1.3.2 Application control Mixing and application procedures submitted must be
in accordance with product manufacturers instructions.
2.1.4.2 Storage of materials Storing epoxy compounds at other than specified tem-
perature range may result in degradation of the
product. If such storage takes place, manufacturer
should be contacted before product is used.
2.1.5.1 Environmental requirements Performance of epoxy systems may be affected by tem-
perature, humidity, and surface water. Strict adherence
to the manufacturers recommendations should be
maintained. Where other unusual conditions are en-
countered, the material manufacturer should be con-
sulted before application.
2.2.2 Skid-resistant aggregate The aggregate described in this section will provide a
suitable nonskid surface for vehicular traffic. For sur-
faces limited to pedestrian traffic only, the designer
may desire to choose a less coarse aggregate grada-
tion. The preparation and inspection of a small sample
using the proposed aggregate and coating at their pro-
posed rate of application prior to publication of a spe-
cification will enable the designer to anticipate the ap-
pearance and texture of the surface.
2.2.2.2 Weight loss of aggregate Suitable aggregates meeting these specifications are
2.2.2.3 Aggregate moisture content generally a heterogeneous combination of minerals
with a coarse grained microstructure of hard particles
cemented by a slightly softer matrix. Examples are cor-
undum-rich materials employed by the grinding wheel
industry such as calcined bauxite and emery; well-
cemented sandstones and certain metamorphised sand-
stone such as metagreywacke.
2.3.2.2 Pullout strength test The test method specifies the bonding of a steel pipe
cap to the concrete surface with an epoxy adhesive. If
the test results not in failure of the concrete but in
cohesion of the epoxy resin adhesive or any failure in
adhesion, the test shall be repeated. Repeated failures
in adhesion, or cohesion in the adhesive, indicate im-
proper cleaning of the concrete, incorrect adhesive, or
faulty adhesive application techniques.
2.3.2.4 Concrete surface When concrete surface is not dry, materials manu-
facturer should be consulted regarding suitability of
system and adequacy of application techniques. Some
epoxy adhesives may be capable of wetting the con-
crete surface at temperatures below 40 F. The speci-
fication should allow such use only if test data is
available which conclusively demonstrates adequate
bond at the actual concrete temperature expected.
503.3-4 ACI STANDARD

SPECIFICATION CHECKLIST (cont.)


Section/Part/Article of ACI 503.3 Notes to the Designer/Specifier
2.3.4.1 Coating application This rate of coating application is suitable for the
aggregate gradation specified in Article 2.2.2.1 and ag-
gregate rate of application specified in Article 2.3.4.2.
If either of these is changed the coating application
rate may have to be adjusted. A sample should be pre-
pared to evaluate the resulting surface,
2.3.4.2 Aggregate application This rate of aggregate application is suitable for the
aggregate gradation specified in Article 2.2.2.1 and
coating rate of application specified in Article 2.3.4.1.
If either of these is changed the aggregate application
rate may have to be adjusted and a sample should be
prepared to evaluate the resulting surface.
2.3.5 Field quality control Satisfactory performance using this test assures that the
skid-resistant aggregate is adequately bonded to the
epoxy adhesive coating and that the coating is
adequately bonded to the concrete.
Care must be taken when bonding the pipe cap to
the skid resistant surface with epoxy adhesive that all
voids are filled with adhesive.

SECTION l-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 1.4.1 The standards referred to in this Standard Speci-
fication ACI 503.3 are listed in Article 1.4.2 of this sec-
l.l-Scope tion, with their complete designation and title including
1.1.1 This standard specification covers the producing the year of adoption or revision and are declared to be
of a skid-resistant surface on hardened concrete by the a part of this Standard Specification ACI 503.3 the same
application of a multi-component epoxy coating system. as if fully set forth herein, unless otherwise indicated in
1.1.2 The provisions of this standard specification shall the contract documents.
govern unless otherwise specified in the contract docu-
ments. In case of conflicting requirements, the contract 1.4.2 ASTM standards
documents shall govern.
C 131-81 Standard Test Method for Resistance to De-
1.2-Notation (Reap- gradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by
1.2.1 ACI: American Concrete Institute proved Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles
P.O. Box 19150 1987) Machine
Detroit, MI 48219 C 136-84a Standard Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine
and Coarse Aggregates
1.2.2 ASTM: American Society for Testing and C 566-84 Standard Test Method for Total Moisture
Materials Content of Aggregate by Drying
1916 Race Street C 881-87 StandardSpecificationforEpoxy-Resin-Base
Philadelphia, PA 19103 Bonding Systems for Concrete

1.3-Specification wording
13.1 The language of this standard specification is SECTION 2-MATERIALS AND APPLICATION
generally imperative and terse, and may include incom-
plete sentences. Omissions of phrases and of words such Part 2.1-General
as the contractor shall, in accordance with, shall be, 2.1.1 Description-This section covers the require-
as indicated, a, an, the, all, etc., are intentional. ments for materials and application of the multi-
Omitted phrases and words shall be supplied by in- component epoxy coating system.
ference. 2.1.2 Submittals
2.1.2.1 Contractor shall submit manufacturers
1.4-Reference standards certification verifying performance to material spe-
EPOXY RESINS 503.3-5

cifications specified in Part 2.2. be applied shall be newly exposed parent concrete free of
2.1.3 Quality assurance loose and unsound materials. Prepare surfaces by mech-
2.1.3.1 Labeling-Clearly mark all containers with anical abrasion.
the following information: 2.3.1.2 Mechanical abrasion-Use sandblasting,
scarifying, waterblasting, or other approved means.
a) Name of manufacturer 2.3.2 Inspection of surface prior to coating application
b) Manufacturers product identification 2.3.2.1 Inspect all concrete surfaces prior to ap-
C) Manufacturers instructions for mixing plication of coating to insure that requirements of this
d) Warning for handling and toxicity Article 2.3.2 are met.
2.3.2.2 Surfaces shall be sound concrete which
2.1.3.2 Application control-Submit mixing and ap- exhibits a minimum 100 psi pullout strength when tested
plication procedures for approval prior to use. in accordance with Appendix A Use of Epoxy Com-
2.1.4 Product delivery, storage, and handling pounds with Concrete, reported by ACI Committee 503.
2.1.4.1 Delivery of materials-Deliver all materials 2.3.2.3 Surface shall be free of any deleterious
in sealed containers with labels legible and intact. materials such as laitance, curing compounds, dust, dirt,
2.1.4.2 Storage of materials--Store all materials at and oil, and materials resulting from surface preparation,
temperatures between 40-100 F (5-38 C) unless otherwise as specified in Article 2.3.1, shall be removed.
recommended by manufacturer. 2.3.2.4 All concrete surfaces shall be dry as defined
2.1.4.3 Handling of materials-Handle all materials in Article 2.3.2.5 below unless a water-insensitive coating
in a safe manner and in a way to avoid breaking con- is used. Surface temperature shall be at least 40 F to
tainer seals. permit wetting of concrete surface by epoxy coating.
2.1.5 Project conditions 2.3.2.5 Evaluate moisture content for concrete by
2.1.5.1 Environmental requirements-Contractor determining if moisture will collect at bond lines between
shall comply with manufacturers recommendations as to old concrete and epoxy coating before epoxy has cured.
environmental conditions under which the epoxy com- This may be accomplished by taping a 4 x 4 ft poly-
pound may be applied. ethylene sheet to concrete surface. If moisture collects on
underside of polyethylene sheet before epoxy would cure,
Part 2.2-Products then allow concrete to dry sufficiently to prevent the
2.2.1 Epoxy coating-ASTM C 881. Curing temper- possibility of moisture between old concrete and new
ature requirements (Class) and viscosity (Grade) shall be epoxy.
determined by supplier and contractor and approved by 2.3.3 Coating mixes
architect/engineer after project conditions have been 2.3.3.1 Mix epoxy components in a clear container
established. free of harmful residue or foreign particles.
2.2.2 Skid-resistant aggregate 2.3.3.2 Condition epoxy compound components to
2.2.2.1 Aggregate shall meet the following be at a temperature between 60-100 F (16-38 C), unless
gradation when tested in accordance with ASTM C 136: otherwise recommended by manufacturer.
2.3.3.3 Thoroughly blend epoxy components with
a mechanical mixer to a uniform and homogeneous mix-
Sieve size Percent passing ture. Mix small batches (up to 1 qt) by use of spatulas,
Y4 100 palette knives, or similar devices.
2.3.4 Coating application
6 97-100 2.3.4.1 Apply epbxy coating to concrete surface by
brush, roller, broom, squeegee, or spray equipment. Ap-
8 55-75 ply epoxy compound at a uniform thickness of 60 + 10
16 0-3 mils.
2.3.4.2 Apply skid-resistant aggregate while coating
is still fluid at the rate of 12 + 1 lb&d-.
2.2.2.2 When tested in accordance with ASTM C 2.3.5 Field quality control-The inspector shall deter-
131, aggregate shall have a maximum weight loss of 20 mine that coating and skid-resistant aggregate are applied
percent at 500 revolutions. at a rate at least equal to that specified and that ag-
2.2.2.3 Moisture content of the aggregate shall not gregate and coating are securely bonded. The pullout
exceed 0.15 percent when tested in accordance with strength of the cured skid-resistant surface to the con-
ASTM C 566, Standard Test Method for Total Moisture crete shall be a minimum 100 psi when tested in accor-
Content of Aggregate by Drying. dance with Appendix A of Use of Epoxy Compounds
with Concrete, reported by ACI Committee 503. The
Part 2.3-Execution failure shall be cohesive within the concrete. There shall
2.3.1 Preparation of surfaces be no failures in adhesion.
2.3.1.1 Concrete surfaces to which epoxies are to 2.3.6 Cleanup
503.3-6 ACI STANDARD

2.3.6.1 Protect concrete surfaces, beyond limits of 2.3.7 Safety-Epoxy materials are skin irritants or
surface receiving coating, against spillage. sensitizers to many people. Accordingly, advise appli-
2.3.6.2 Immediately remove any epoxy compound caors to avoid contact with eyes and skin, inhalation of
applied or spilled beyond desired areas. Perform cleanup vapors and ingestion. Make protective and safety equip-
with material designated by epoxy coating manufacturer. ment available on site. Heed all label warnings by manu-
Avoid contamination of work area. facturer.

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