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Application procedure
Substrate preparation: Should any reinforcement bars be exposed (i.e. without
abutment covering), it is essential to check the condition of the surrounding concrete, particularly with regard to the degree of carbonation and presence of
chlorides. The deteriorated concrete layer and irregularities in the concrete base (such as loose pieces, voids, honeycomb, etc.) should be removed. Repair must
be carried out with mortars, filling any crack by injecting with very low viscosity epoxy resin. Any significant water seepage through cracks or joints in the concrete
should be remedied by waterproofing and a drainage system must be placed on the surface before restoration of the concrete. All the surfaces to be treated with
FRP sheets must be prepared by means of sandblasting in order to remove loose surface parts and to guarantee a minimum of roughness to the base. When
preparing the surface, the difference between adjacent surface levels should not exceed 1 mm. Any surface protrusions in the concrete should be smoothed. Sharp
corners in the concrete should be rounded. The radius of curvature should be at least 20 mm, considering that, the greater the radius, the better the preparation.
Carbopree Primer mixing: Thoroughly mix, for about two minutes, the component
A with the component B in the recommended ratio, until uniformly mixed. Stir using an electric mixer. The amount of Carbopree Primer to be prepared should be such
that it may be applied within its useful workability time. Mixed Carbopree Primer cannot be used once its useful time of application has been exceeded. This time
may vary according to the ambient temperature and the amount of applied primer and these factors should be taken into account accordingly.
Carbopree Primer application: Carbopree Primer should be applied regularly
with a short nap roller. If necessary apply a second coat after the first has penetrated into the concrete. The amount of Carbopree Primer to be applied may
vary according to the porosity or surface roughness of the concrete. In the case of wrapping of compressed elements, priming is suggested but not strictly necessary.
Carbopree Paste mixing: Thoroughly mix, for about two minutes, the component
A with the component B in the recommended ratio, until uniformly mixed. Stir using an electric mixer. The amount of Carbopree Paste to be prepared should be such
that it may be applied within its useful workability time.
Carbopree Paste application: Carbopree Paste must be applied to even
remaining concrete surface irregularities by hand with metal plastering trowel. Carbopree Paste can be applied fresh on fresh on Carbopree Primer (wait few
minutes the tack free condition). Should Carbopree Primer have been left untouched for some days after application, its surface should be roughened using sand paper.
Carbopree Matrix: Mix Carbopree Matrix components in the recommended ratio
until uniformly mixed (approx. two minutes). Stir using an electric mixer. The amount of mixed resin should be such that it may be applied within its useful workability
time. The mixed resin amount cannot be used once its useful time of application has been exceeded. The primary or undercoat of Carbopree Matrix should be
evenly applied to the concrete surface using a brush or roller. The amount to be applied may vary according to the surface roughness of the concrete. More resin
mix should be applied on the inner corners than on the flat concrete surfaces in order to guarantee perfect adhesion of the FRP to the concrete base.
FRP Sheet application: the sheet should first be cut into the required sizes using
scissors. The number of sheets to be cut should be limited to the number scheduled for application within the day. The FRP sheet should be applied fibres
side down onto the concrete surface on which an undercoat of Carbopree Matrix has previously been applied. The surface of the applied sheet should be strongly
pressed two or three times in the longitudinal direction of the fibre using a roller and a rubber spatula, in order to allow Carbopree Matrix penetrate into the sheet and to
eliminate air from the coat of resin. To join several strips in the longitudinal direction of the fibers, they should be overlapped for a length of 20 cm. A further
coat of Carbopree Matrix must be applied on the point of overlap of the outer surface of the sheet layer to be overlapped. No overlapping is necessary in the
lateral direction of the fibre. After application of the first coat of Carbopree Matrix, the sheets should not be touched for at least 30 minutes. Any lifting or shifting of the
sheets during this time may be corrected by pressing down with a roller or spatula. The second coat of Carbopree Matrix should be applied to the surface of the FRP
sheet. The sheet onto which the resin has been applied, should be pressed quite strongly two or three times in the longitudinal direction of the fibres using a roller as
above described, so that Carbopree matrix impregnates and tamps the FRP sheet. Should several sheets need to be applied, repeat the operations above described.
Curing
In the event of outdoor application, work should be protected from rain, sand, dust,
etc. using sheeting or other types of protection. Upon completion of the FRP application stage, work should be protected from rain using plastic sheeting. Care
should be taken so that the protective sheeting does not come into contact with the sheet surface. FRP should be left to cure for at least 24 hours.
Precautions
During application of FRP always wear suitable protection, such as masks,
goggles and plastic gloves. The work site should be well ventilated. Under no circumstances should application be carried out in the presence of naked flames.
At low room temperatures both the primer and the resin may develop greater viscosity or a slower polymerization rate. Do not apply FRP when the room
temperature is below 5°C. The presence of damp or moisture could hinder bonding of the primer or resin. Any infiltration should be eliminated and a water drainage
channel must be placed. Do not apply FRP when rain or the formation of dew is forecast. Any surface irregularities or sharp corners on the concrete may lead to separation or delamination when applying FRP.
Protection from UV rays
Should the surface of FRP be exposed to direct sunlight, it is advisable to apply a
weather-resistant and UV protective film. A coat of protective film may be applied upon completion of the initial resin setting stage, which is completed when a nail
pressed by hand against the surface no longer leaves a mark.
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