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Historic Preservation - Technical Procedures

Spectitle:
Removing Epoxy Adhesives And Elastomeric Joint Sealant Smears And Overruns From Concrete

Procedure code:
0371017R

Source:
Hstrc Concrete: Investigation & Rpr/Pre-Conf Training - 1989

Division:
Concrete

Section:
Concrete Cleaning

Last Modified:
02/24/2012

Details:
Removing Epoxy Adhesives And Elastomeric Joint Sealant Smears And Overruns From Concrete



REMOVING EPOXY ADHESIVES AND ELASTOMERIC JOINT SEALANT SMEARS AND
OVERRUNS FROM CONCRETE


PART 1---GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

    A.   This procedure includes guidance on removing cured and
         uncured epoxy adhesives and elastomeric joint sealant
         smears and overruns from concrete using organic solvents
         and/or mechanical methods.

    B.   Safety Precautions:  

         1.   THE ORGANIC SOLVENTS LISTED ARE POISONOUS,
              CARCINOGENIC OR FLAMMABLE.  GOOD VENTILATION MUST
              BE PROVIDED WHEREVER ANY SOLVENT IS USED.  USE
              RESPIRATORS WITH SOLVENT FILTERS.

         2.   Provide adequate clothing and protective gear for
              workers.  Respirators with solvent filters shall be
              used when using chemicals.

         3.   Provide adequate ventilation.

         4.   Before starting the job, provide adequate emergency
              wash solutions (i.e. water, soap and towels) at
              close proximity to job site.

    C.   See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be
         reviewed along with this procedure.  These guidelines
         cover the following sections:

         1.   Safety Precautions

         2.   Historic Structures Precautions

         3.   Submittals

         4.   Quality Assurance

         5.   Delivery, Storage and Handling

         6.   Project/Site Conditions

         7.   Sequencing and Scheduling

         8.   General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

         These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing
         this procedure and should be followed, when applicable,
         along with recommendations from the Regional Historic
         Preservation Officer (RHPO).


PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01 MANUFACTURERS

    A.   Diedrich Technologies, Inc.
         7373 South 6th Street
         Oak Creek (Milwaukee), WI  53154
         800/323-3565 or 414/764-0058

    B.   ProSoCo, Inc.
         755 Minnesota Avenue
         P.O. Box 1578
         Kansas City,  KS  66117
         800/255-4255 or 913/281-2700

2.02 MATERIALS

    NOTE:  Chemical products are sometimes sold under a common
    name.  This usually means that the substance is not as pure as
    the same chemical sold under its chemical name.  The grade of
    purity of common name substances, however, is usually adequate
    for stain removal work, and these products should be purchased
    when available, as they tend to be less expensive.  Common
    names are indicated below by an asterisk (*).

    A.   Organic solvent:

         1.   Toluene (C7H8):

              a.   A liquid, aromatic hydrocarbon that resembles
                   benzene but is less volatile, flammable and
                   toxic.  It is produced commercially from light
                   oils from coke-oven gas and coal tar and from
                   petroleum.

              b.   Other chemical or common names:  Toluol.

              c.   Potential hazards:  TOXIC AND FLAMMABLE.

              d.   Available from chemical supply house, hardware
                   store, paint store or printer's supply
                   distributor.

         2.   Xylene (C8H10):

              a.   Any of three toxic, flammable, oily, isomeric,
                   aromatic hydrocarbons that are di-methyl
                   homologues of benzene and are obtained from
                   wood tar, coal tar, or petroleum distillates.
                   Also a mixture of xylene and ethyl-benzene
                   used chiefly as a solvent.

              b.   Other chemical or common names:  Xylol; P-xylene; 1,4-dimethyl benzene.

              c.   Potential hazards:  TOXIC AND FLAMMABLE

              d.   Available from chemical supply house, hardware
                   store, paint store or printer's supply
                   distributor.

    B.   Scouring powder

    C.   Commercial stripper such as "Sure Klean 859 Stripper"
         (ProSoCo, Inc.), "Diedrich 505 Special Coatings Stripper"
         or "Diedrich 505X Dry Strip" (Diedrich Technologies,
         Inc.), or approved equal.

    D.   Clean, soft rags

    E.   Clean, potable water

2.03 EQUIPMENT

    A.   Stiff scrapers

    B.   Stiff, natural or nylon bristle brushes (no wire) and/or
         rollers


PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01 PREPARATION

    A.   Protection:  Protect surrounding surfaces from run-off of
         chemicals and water solutions.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

    A.   For Uncured Epoxy or Joint Sealant Smears:

         1.   Swab excess epoxy or joint sealant with solvent
              such as toluene or xylene, or as recommended by
              manufacturer of material.

              NOTE:  MINERAL SPIRITS, DENATURED ALCOHOL AND
              ACETONE ARE GENERALLY NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO REMOVE
              EXCESS.

         2.   Rinse area thoroughly with clean, clear water to
              remove all traces of chemical.

         3.   If necessary, scrub area with scouring powder using
              a nylon or natural stiff bristle brush.  

         4.   Rinse area thoroughly with clean, clear water, and
              allow to dry.

         5.   Repeat the process to achieve the desired level of
              cleanliness.

    B.   For Cured Epoxy or Joint Sealant Smears:

         1.   Scrape thickest areas of cured joint sealant with
              stiff scrapers.  

              NOTE:  SCRAPERS MAY NOT REMOVE EPOXIES.

         2.   Remove remaining sealant and/or epoxy using a
              commercial stripper.  Follow manufacturer's
              instructions for application and safety.

         3.   If asphaltic joint sealants have been used see
              procedure 03710-05-R, "Removing Asphalt Stains from
              Concrete".

                         END OF SECTION