Everybody’s got a concrete problem. Anyone who works in a commercial or industrial building can attest to that.
Everyday wear and tear on warehouses, production floors, processing plants, parking decks, and many other facilities takes a toll. And businesses with forklift traffic can be some of the most vulnerable to cracks and spalling.
Above Image: Cutting out a concrete crack prior to repair
Commercial concrete repair can be a challenge, both in the time it takes to find someone to do the job right and the time lost in shut downs to the areas in question. Costs can add up quickly and, in a few months, you may have to repair the same area again.
Fortunately, there is a product that solves many of the issues associated with industrial concrete repair.
RT-05 LM Polymer Concrete is your one-hour solution to any application where the strength of concrete is needed, but the job requires a quick cure, and extended durability is desired.
One of the key benefits of polymer concrete is its ability to set quickly and reach its full strength within 1-2 hours in temperatures ranging from -15° – 104°F. This makes it an ideal choice for repair work and fast-track construction projects.
What is Polymer Concrete?
Polymer concrete is a type of construction material that is made from a combination of polymer, aggregate, and cement. It is known for its high strength, durability, and resistance to chemical attacks and weathering.
Image above: polymer concrete mixture
The cured MMA-based acrylic resin creates a UV stable, non-porous seal that prevents penetration by moisture and chemical compounds. And with a higher compressive strength than regular concrete, RT-05 LM is tough stuff. Polymer concrete also has a low shrinkage rate, which helps to reduce the risk of cracks and other types of damage. Common surface aggressors such as deicing products, JP-5, Skydrol, and an array of other acids, alkalines, or oils are held at bay by RT-05. In addition, high tensile and compressive strengths are achieved to ensure maximum durability. RT-05 is also a perfect fit for application in sub-zero temperatures as it withstands degradation from freeze and thaw cycles, making it ideal for use in harsh environments.
How does it work?
Filling a hole with regular concrete leaves voids; and movement in the existing concrete can cause the repair to fail more quickly.
RT-05 LM works differently. Once an area is prepped, a primer is applied to the entirety of the area to be filled including all sides. When the polymer concrete is added, it bonds chemically with the primer. This bond keeps the polymer concrete from pulling away from the sides the way traditional concrete does, making the patch last much longer.
RT-05 LM can be used to fill holes up to 6” deep, offering a versatile solution for many types of repairs.
Image above: parking garage repairs at 28°F
Where can I use RT-05 LM Polymer Concrete?
Industrial concrete floor repair is just one application for polymer concrete. Other common uses we see are cracks, joints, sloping to drains, runway repair, re-sloping or repurposing of spaces. Bollard resetting is another good use case for polymer concrete.
Image above: overnight runway repair at international airport
It can be used as a replacement for traditional concrete in parking garages, bridge decks, tunnels, and other infrastructure projects. It is also used in the construction of precast concrete products, such as pipes, manholes, and tanks. It is easy to work with and can be molded and shaped into a variety of forms to suit the needs of the project.
Image above: polymer concrete forms created for use in containment area
In a nutshell, RT-05 LM Polymer Concrete is a versatile and durable construction material that offers a number of benefits over traditional concrete. Its fast-setting properties, low shrinkage rate, and resistance to water and chemical attacks make it an ideal choice for many different types of projects.
Have a repair project where you think RT-05 LM Polymer Concrete might be a good fit? Contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss it with you.
