Slippery concrete cause? 6

[Triangled]

Hi, this is from an occasional client requesting an opinion on something I was not involved with.....

" This is new concrete at the main front entry that was installed by our remodel contractor less than 1 year ago. We get a good amount of snow and the concrete becomes VERY slippery even with salt. The GC seems to think the discoloration and slipperiness is due to our use of concrete salt! I know this is not the case and I feel strongly that the concrete was not installed properly. "

It is a well traveled restaurant. And she is seeking some understanding. I really don't know. I would sure appreciate any insights you might be able two share. Thank you.

 

[Triangled]

Another pic

 

[Triangled]

Last picture I have at present. 3 total.

Thank you.

 

[JedClampett]

I think the concrete was very expertly finished with a trowel. It should of been either broom finished or had some grit broadcast into the top (or both). Maybe the specification was unclear. It's not salt. Salt is not a lubricant.
The restaurant should either add some non skid surfacing or tear it out and redo it. They should do it today. While they're arguing with the contractor someone is going to break a hip.

 

[JAE]

Yes - that looks like a hard troweled surface. Most exterior sidewalks/paving where people walk are light broom finished.

 

[CELinOttawa]

Agreed - This is clearly a finishing issue. The skills applied here simply should not have been. This needed a broom finish, like sidewalks, bridge decks, surfaces which are going to be a cold joint, etc, etc.

Concrete can be finished to a mirror shine. It almost never should be.

 

[ameyerrenke]

Agree with above. From the striations it looks like they may have attempted to broom finish, but likely to late into the initial cure.

 

[Triangled]

Excellent. Thank you very much.

 

[Ron]

As others noted, this is a hard troweled surface. Problem not related to salting.

Recommend abrasive grit blasting (Blastrac or similar).

 

[ztengguy]

Keep using salt, heavily, and soon it will be nice and rough.

 

[RHTPE]

Agree with Ron's suggestion. Lightly shot-blast the surface.

Or apply a non-slip surface material.

Continuous application of salt will take years to produce the rough surface suggested by ztenguy.


Ralph
Structures Consulting
Northeast USA

 

[Triangled]

Excellent, Thank you all!