Exposed or Unexposed Concrete

[peconsultant]

I am working on a bridge repair project, and the concrete does have a clear protective sealant on it. There is some discussion as to whether or not this is considered exposed. I am of the opinion that it is exposed to weather; others feel that since it has a sealant, it is not exposed. Which is it, exposed or unexposed?

 

[Ron]

Exposed. Sealants don't last that long.

 

[larsacious]

Exposed. Moisture gets in somewhere that sealant doesn't exist. Weather gets cold. Concrete spalls. Exposed.

 

[amorrison]

I have read that one coat of sealant on wood covers only 1/3 of the "surface". Maybe . . . the second coat would cover 1/3 of the remaining (2/3) exposed surface - -and so it continues.

 

[SrVaro]

I agree with the others, exposed. I have never heard of sealant allowing otherwise. In additional the sealant could where over time along with the surface of the concrete.

 

[peconsultant]

Thank you for the quick responses. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who thought the condition was exposed.

 

[csd72]

The design life of bridges is generally 50 to 100 years, even a good sealant can only be expected to last in the realm of 10 to 15.

The sealant is just an aid to longevity but is not a substitute for the correct cover e.t.c.

 

[hokie66]

What is the composition and purpose of this clear sealant? Without pigmentation, sealants and varnishes will only last a year or so in UV exposure. Maybe it's not a sealant, but an anti-carbonation coating?