Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
(OP)
Nox-crete form oil was mistakenly applied to 15,000SF of slab-on-grade instead of the spec'd water-soluble dissipating curing compound. Three days later, a concentrated degreaser was used to remove it and apply the correct compound. Aside from the material compatibility issues with flooring that should be solved with the degreaser, from a curing standpoint is this slab doomed or did the form oil at least provide some measure of protection during the first 48 hours? Will applying the correct compound at this stage help? Any suggestions to avoid grinding/removal appreciated.





RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
I completely disagree with StephenA, taking cores would not answer any questions. You might be able to have a petragraphic analysis done of the surface of the cores, but I'm not sure what they would even look for.
RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
http://www.nox-crete.com/prod_form_release.html
Which one was used?
Data sheet for the general-purpose product, Chembeton, has disturbing statements like:
"...react with excess limes in fresh concrete..."
and
"Not generally recommended for use on architectural concrete"
Assuming that you are the Engineer, a good way to handle this type situation is to require the Contractor (or whoever was responsible for using the wrong product) to provide the Engineer (and Owner) with proof why the concrete is acceptable.
www.SlideRuleEra.net
RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
IMHO, because of the uncertainly, "somebody" is accountable to the Owner. By that I mean, either a "technical" solution - remove the concrete and place it again.
or
A negotiated "financial" settlement to compensate the Owner for a finished product that "MAY" or "MAY NOT" meet the intent of the specification.
As an Owner's representative, I would insist on a letter from Nox-Crete, stating their opinion on this specific situation. At that point a decision could be made about a potential financial settlement.
On your question about applying the proper coating now - not worth the trouble.
www.SlideRuleEra.net
RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
If you spray water on it and it beads up, you haven't removed all of the oil or it continues to bleed from its penetration depth.
At this point I would probably recommend sealing the slab with a high solvent methacrylate penetrating sealer, thinned with a high flash solvent to penetrate quickly and evaporate fully.
RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade
RE: Form Oil Used to "Cure" Slab on Grade