A. Surface Protection and Preparation: The concrete deck surface will be protected from contamination from dirt and debris by covering the deck with a material approved by the Engineer until such time that the surface preparation for the penetrating sealer is begun. Any materials or equipment placed on the deck during this protection period will be placed such that there is no danger of spillage, leakage, or other contamination to the concrete surface. Concrete surfaces will be cleaned by power washing such that all traces of laitance, dirt, dust, salt, oil, asphalt, paint, and other foreign materials and deleterious substances are removed prior to application of the penetrating sealer. If oil, grease, or other contaminants are inadvertently spilled on the concrete surface, detergent cleaning along with an abrasive blast cleaning will be required on the affected areas. Other methods and equipment for surface preparation may be used if prior approval is obtained from the Engineer. If necessary, solvents and hand tools will be used in conjunction with the blasting media to remove bonded materials detrimental to the treatment of the concrete surface. The cleaning process will not cause undue damage to the concrete surface, remove, or substantially alter the existing surface finish, or expose the coarse aggregate of the concrete. The method of cleaning will be performed in such a manner as to provide a reasonably uniform appearing surface color and texture. The sealer may be harmful to materials such as rubber, asphalt, and joint compounds; therefore, the Contractor will be required to mask off all joints, strip seals, etc. prior to applying the sealer. The Engineer will approve the prepared surface prior to application of the penetrating sealer. B. Sealer Application: The Contractor will have a sufficient quantity of sealer on the project prior to the start of application such that the manufacturer’s maximum rate of coverage (minimum ft2 /gal) can be attained. Sealer application will conform to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the following: 1. Weather Limitations: The penetrating sealer will only be applied when the ambient air and concrete surface temperatures are between 40o F and 100o F unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. The treatment solution will not be sprayed when blowing winds or other conditions prevent proper application. The sealer will not be applied during inclement weather or rain, or if inclement weather or rain is anticipated within 24 hours. 2. Application Equipment: Spray equipment for the application of the treatment solution will be a low-pressure airless type sprayer with a maximum application pressure of 15 psi. 3. Application: Concrete will be cured for 28 days prior to the application of the sealer. The sealer may be applied prior to the 28 day cure period, but no sooner than 14 days, provided that there is no evidence of moisture in the concrete when tested in accordance with ASTM D4263 and the concrete has attained 80% of the specified design strength. All surfaces will be substantially dry prior to application of the sealer. The concrete surfaces will be allowed to dry a minimum of 3 days after power washing or precipitation. The Engineer will determine when the surface is sufficiently dry. All loose dust and debris will be blown off of the concrete surface with compressed air immediately prior to application of the sealer. The sealer will be used as supplied by the manufacturer and will not be diluted or altered in any way. The solution will be sprayed on to the concrete surfaces at the manufacturer’s recommended maximum rate of coverage (minimum ft2 /gal) or to refusal, whichever is achieved first. Refusal is defined such that additional spray applications remain on the concrete surface and do not soak in, as determined by the Engineer. If the plans specify a grooved bridge deck surface, the grooving will be accomplished prior to the application of the sealer. 4. Traffic Limitations: Traffic will not be permitted on treated surfaces nor will pavement markings be applied until the solution has completely penetrated and the treated surface is dry. The Engineer will determine when the surface is sufficiently dry.
