Riverside WTP

FCM 80 Walkway Surface Rehabilitation –30 Month Review

This project commenced late in 2015. The scope of work included repair and resurfacing of the interior and exterior of the sedimentation basins, filters and flocculation basins. Included in the scope of work was coating the non-air entrained concrete top surfaces of walkways and beams using Xypex Concentrate and FCM 80 to protect these horizontal elements from water ingress, chemical exposure and potential freeze thaw damage.

This report reviews the performance of the Xypex Concentrate / FCM 80 that was applied approximately 2.5 to 3 years prior to the site inspection.

The Xypex FCM 80 has performed well and has provided a waterproof and slip-resistant surface on the horizontal elements. The FCM 80 material was applied by trowel (stainless steel pool trowels were utilized reducing the tearing of the surface) following 12 – 24 hours after installation of the 2 pounds per square yard coat of Xypex Concentrate. Now at 2.5 years post application the materials have exhibited excellent wear and physical properties with no sign of delamination, crazing or cracking of the applied material.

The owners report that the non-slip propertiesof the FCM 80 provides additional safety as awalking surface for plant personnel while providingwaterproofing of horizontal elements.Immediately after installation there weresome areas of discoloration on the surface ofthe FCM 80 either rain or humidity casueingpooling water on the newly appled material.These areas no longer exhibit this discolorationand the material aesthetics and appearanceare now uniform. The owner noted thatthe operators find surface comfortable underfootto walk on and are they are very pleasedwith the performance to date.

The use of FCM 80 as a pedestrian coatingsystem has merit as part of an overall protectiveand waterproofing approach to horizontalsurfaces and should be considered on futureprojects involving water and wastewatertreatment plants and areas where pedestriantraffic is expected. FCM 80 has now shown onboth the Raccoon Creek Project in Summerville,Georgia, and here at the Riverside WTP tobe an effective approach for waterproofingand providing a non-slip surface as part of acomprehensive strategy addressing the repairand restoration of water and wastewaterplants. The use of Xypex FCM 80 for horizontal elementssubject to pedestrian traffic is anaffective approach.