I wanted to get some input from the forum on experiences with repairing cracks in a concrete slab that has as stained concrete finish. I am intending to specify conventional epoxy repair with the epoxy vented at ports spaced along the crack. My concern is in getting a cementatious based surface that will accept stain. Has anyone had any success in specifying the epoxy be ground back to allow for some sort of a hydraulic cement coating or dressing to be placed. My experience with epoxies has been that they are difficult to grind because they get gummy. Any other repair suggestions for stained concrete would be welcomed as well.
Also, it has been our company policy to specify welded wire mesh in addition to slab reinforcing bars when stained concrete is needed, but when post-tensioned cables are used, no mesh is specified. My position has been that the wire mesh is actually needed more in the post-tensioned construction due to the shrinkage risks before cables are tensioned. Is there really any significant interference from the wire mesh and cable tensioning.
Also, it has been our company policy to specify welded wire mesh in addition to slab reinforcing bars when stained concrete is needed, but when post-tensioned cables are used, no mesh is specified. My position has been that the wire mesh is actually needed more in the post-tensioned construction due to the shrinkage risks before cables are tensioned. Is there really any significant interference from the wire mesh and cable tensioning.
