Cold Weather and Liquid Cures and Sealers

With winter temperatures setting in, it is important to take precautions with your liquid and water based products including cures, sealers and bonding agents. Products with 50% water composition or greater are prone to freezing. Freezing changes the composition of a material, rendering it less effective when it thaws. Be sure to store these products in a heated warehouse or other warm, dry place during cold winter months. Do not store products outside when freezing temperatures are possible, and please caution your customers to do the same. Also, when placing most of these products, it is wise to ensure the application area is not exposed to freezing temperatures 24 hours prior to and 72 hours after application. If you are concerned about freezing temperatures, solvent based products can offer a good solution. Solvent based products can withstand cold temperatures without freezing. However, these products must be brought to a minimum temperature before they are applied. Remember to follow ACI procedures for cold weather concreting and do not hesitate to contact your US SPEC representative with any questions or concerns.

US SPEC Involved in New ASTM Standard for PT Grouts

US SPEC’s Technical Director, Bryan Smith, is an active member of several ASTM committees including a new committee developing an important new standardized ASTM test method for determining bleed-stability in post-tension grouts. Material manufacturers, grouting contractors, specifiers, DOT’s and testing laboratories will be the primary users of ASTM C1741.

ASTM C1741, Test Method for Bleed Stability of Cementitious Post-Tensioning Tendon Grout, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee C09.41 on Hydraulic Cement Grouts, part of ASTM International Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates.
Bryan Smith says, “bleed stability is a critical characteristic regarding the intended use of grout for PT cable protection, aiding safety by way of protection through complete cable encapsulation. Bleed facilitates reduced performance and increases potential for voids and corrosion.”