Epoxy coated slab on grade
Epoxy coated slab on grade
(OP)
I have a slab-on-grade that a client wants to put an epoxy coating on. I currently have a plate dowel specified at a construction joint and someone expressed concern that the plate dowel doesn't prohibit horizontal movement. Is a plate dowel inappropriate for this situation? The slab mix is typical, not a shrink-reducing mix or anything. Panel joints are around 10' on center. Your experience and comments are appreciated.






RE: Epoxy coated slab on grade
RE: Epoxy coated slab on grade
"It is imperative Cunth doesn't get his hands on those codes."
RE: Epoxy coated slab on grade
RE: Epoxy coated slab on grade
RE: Epoxy coated slab on grade
An epoxy coating atop the slab would act as a vapor barrier which can be problematic. Furthermore, the epoxy coating has to be able to contend with the high pH of the concrete. The master of such knowledge is Joseph Lstiburek. His books on the design of building envelopes have earned a permanent spot on my shelf. I have learned so much about insulation, moisture control layers, vapor control layers, air control layers and drainage planes, and where they should be placed around and on which side of structure from his books.
Here is an older article by him specifically on slabs-on-grade. He discusses vapor barriers and epoxy top coatings.
Concrete Floor Problems -- Joseph Lstiburek
RE: Epoxy coated slab on grade
The high pH of the concrete is also something that can be covered by proper selection of the epoxy and proper preparation of the floor slab surface prior to application.