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Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

(OP)
I am working on a bridge repair project, and the concrete does have a clear protective sealant on it. There is some discussion as to whether or not this is considered exposed. I am of the opinion that it is exposed to weather; others feel that since it has a sealant, it is not exposed. Which is it, exposed or unexposed?

RE: Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

Exposed.  Sealants don't last that long.   

RE: Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

Exposed. Moisture gets in somewhere that sealant doesn't exist. Weather gets cold. Concrete spalls. Exposed.

RE: Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

I have read that one coat of sealant on wood covers only 1/3 of the "surface". Maybe . . . the second coat would cover 1/3 of the remaining (2/3) exposed surface - -and so it continues.

RE: Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

I agree with the others, exposed.  I have never heard of sealant allowing otherwise.  In additional the sealant could where over time along with the surface of the concrete.

RE: Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

(OP)
Thank you for the quick responses. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who thought the condition was exposed.

RE: Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

The design life of bridges is generally 50 to 100 years, even a good sealant can only be expected to last in the realm of 10 to 15.

The sealant is just an aid to longevity but is not a substitute for the correct cover e.t.c.

RE: Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

What is the composition and purpose of this clear sealant?  Without pigmentation, sealants and varnishes will only last a year or so in UV exposure.  Maybe it's not a sealant, but an anti-carbonation coating?

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