Peel test

BS EN 1372 - Adhesives — Test method for adhesives for floor and wall coverings — Peel test to measure the bond on the substrate.

Peel angle may be in many direction, like:

Let see what does standard says:

The result will be declared in terms of Force needed to peel the XXX mm length of the membrane.

Let see how this is tested in LAB using modern equipment:

Process / stages of constructions - RCC foundations, beams, slabs, columns

Types of Footings Residential and Commercial Construction:

Isolated column construction:

Isolated column with super structure:

Types of beams:

Construction of Slab, beam and column beam junctions:

Construction of slab with cantilever:

Construction of RCC stairs:

Bolt Connections - Column Shoes and Anchor Bolts:

HOMOGENEOUS (monolithic) and HETEROGENEOUS system of Flooring / coatings – advantages and disadvantageous by built up system

There are many more type of floorings and coatings materials are available in market.. Say Cementitious, epoxy, Polyurethane, etc. Depending on the performance requirement, client or end user choose them. However, when cost comes in to the context, applicator as well as the client try to compromise on what it initially thought of having… May it be look, bond strength, abrasion resistant, temperature resistant, chemical resistant, etc.,

Let see H O W….. 
In general topping product will come with high cost than the below the underlay screed or primer. Many manufacturer’s or the applicator propose to use the primer + quartz / silica (the inert sand like particles) to build-up the thickness. Even some will propose to use the underlayment to build up the thickness. Like this, they bring down the overall cost of the system.

It is universally agreeable that the use of primer is necessary for suppressing the dust, getting the more coverage of the topping material, seal the porosity of the surface, etc. In addition, screed material is really need to fill up the undulations of the floor. However, it cannot be agreeable just compromise in the cost.

System of flooring be of homogeneous or may be of heterogeneous. Homogeneous is the one, from bottom to top, of the same product or by the product of the same family of chemistry. And, the heterogeneous means, the combination of many product from different family of chemistry.

Let see the advantages and disadvantageous of system built up of HOMOGENEOUS and HETEROGENEOUS system.

LOOK: Of course, the final look of the installed material will be same at initial stage. However, if, the underneath built up with low cost product and the topping of very thin product layer, then how much time it may remain the same? Due to wear, the topping will end-up exposing what is at bottom. Colour variation, undulations, etc. will be the resultant. In this case, if homogeneous system is used will preserve it’s LOOK, no matter how much it wear off.
Aggregate used in between the 2 coats of prime / on the primer coat, top coat shall be applied with care using spike rolling, if not pinholes will emerge on the topping.

BOND STRENGTH: Bond between the products of different chemistry family will always a doubtful. So the manufacturer’s and the applicator propose to use inert material which does not play any role chemically but physical they sit on the wet surface on the applied product and provides the mechanically key for the subsequent applied product. In case of proposing the screed product, manufacturer shall propose the bonding guarantee not the applicator. Hence, it can take as granted that the homogeneous system built up will have the good bonding on the substrate and stays in position for long time.

ABRASION RESISTANT: No need to explain again as it was explained in the LOOK aspects, HETEROGENEOUS system would have different abrasion resistant property. Inert sand like particles, will lost the position and system will fail very badly.

TEMPERATURE RESISTANT: Any material to resistant the temperature it should have unique or at least similar coefficient of thermal expansion. This will not be guaranteed in the HETEROGENEOUS system, but it can take as granted that the HOMOGENEOUS system built up will have same coefficient of thermal expansion. For more details, refer https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2018/01/relative-linear-shrinkage-and.html

CHEMICAL RESISTANT: No need to explain it again, as the system built up in HETEROGENEOUS system is from the different kind of products, the chemical resistant will vary with it matrix. But, this property will remain same from top to bottom in HOMOGENEOUS system built up system because of using the same kind of product over all. Make sure to get the chemical resistant chart from the manufacture not from the applicator. Even then, it is necessary to get the sample done on your premises so that you can be get tested at site level too.

Then, say always NO TO HETEROGENEOUS system? 

No. this also stays good, if the flooring or coating is intended for short term only. Say, a renovation for short term, to get pass the auditing process, un-avoidable / terrible site condition where usage of the floor itself is heavy. 

Finally, HETEROGENEOUS system can be used for short term run and HOMOGENEOUS system can be used for short time as well as long time run.

Pool balancing

The recommended water chemistry balance in pools with ceramic tile finishes is as follows:

> Total alkalinity range recommended: 80 -200 mg/l

> pH range: 7.2–7.8

> Calcium Hardness range: 150 -200 m/L

> Sulphate range: <200 mg/L

While these values may be slightly different to what many operators would regard as normal, we emphasise that these values are related to ceramic tile finishes that have been fixed (adhered) and grouted with cement based products. The values given here are in the recommended ranges to prevent corrosion of the cement in the adhesives and grouts.

Normal recommendation for acid cleaning of tile and stones with HCL + water dilution is 5:95.

What is which, why, where, when and how?

What is the minimum and maximum.
Which is the highest and the lowest?

As per ASTM C 129 – 03: Standard Specification for Nonloadbearing Concrete Masonry Units: Weight Classification of structures are as follows:
Weight Classification                                  Oven-Dry Weight of Concrete, lb/ft3 (kg/m3)

Lightweight                                                  Less than 105 (1680) 
Medium Weight                                           105 to less than 125 (1680 to 2000) 
Normal Weight                                            125 (2000) or more

Low Slopes: Roof pitches less than 4/12 are considered low sloped roofs. Special installation practices must be used on roofs sloped 2/12-4/12. Shingles can not be installed at slopes less than 2/12.

Recommended slope for wet areas like bath room, showers, toilet rooms, etc shall be 6mm down in 1 feet.

Minimum requirement of steel in RCC structures:

Grain size : Grain size (granularity) shall be based on the size of the largest particles that are dispersed in sufficient quantity to influence the texture of the coating system. As per EN 1062, grain sizes (in the coatings) are classified as follows:

For the determination in accordance with ISO 787-7 and EN ISO 787-18 in the case of solvent-dilutable systems, a suitable solvent may be used in order to pour the dispersion through the sieve.

What is the standard size of cement measuring box?

12″ X 12″ x 15“ = 0.3 X 0.3 X 0.375 = 0.03375 Cmtr = 33.75

Another thing used to measure the cement is PAN:

1 bag of 50 Kg cement (0.03475 Cmtr = 4 pan X 0.86775 Cmtr.

What is good air and bad air?

Compression & tensile strength of brick, granite, lime stone, cement, concrete, sand stone, slate and trap rock:

Ref: https://themasonrystore.com/blogs/cold-hard-tuckin-faqs/choosing-the-proper-mortar-for-any-masonry-application-and-then-where-to-buy-it


Grading of natural and M-sand for cement mortar:

Some abbreviations: 

EPI - Ethoxylated Polyethy Iemine (for potable (portable also) grade metal water tanker coating)
MMRE - Malcic Modified Resin Esters (coating / paint for bitumen and concrete roads for line marking)
1 Megaohms = 1MO = 10^6O = 1,00,00,00O
IEQ - Indoor Environment Quality - Credit 4.1
OSHA - Occupational Safety & Health Act
PMMA - Polymer Methyl Meth Acrylate (Acrylic / Acrylic glass, flooring, coating are available)
WELL - 3rd party certificate by GBCI - Green Building Certification Inc.
GGBS - Ground Granulated Blast Slag (used in concrete in modern technology)
GRIHA - Green Rating for Integrated Habit Assessment
PVA - Dilute Poly Vinyl Actate (used to install the mesh at back of Glass mossaic tiles and some stones.
MPa - Mega Pascal = N/mm^2
HACCP - Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points - Need for PU Flooring
PVC - Poly Vinyl Chloride
IPN / PU - Interpenetrating Polymer Network - A thickness gradient interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) was easily created that takes advantage of the relatively poor compatibility and curing rates discrepancy between epoxy (EP) and polyurethane (PU).
ESD - Electro Static Discharge
OWSAS - International Occupational Health & Safety Management. System Specification.
EHS - Environmental Healthy & Safety (it's a certification)
LEED - Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design.
MDI - Methyl Diphenyl Diisocyanate - is a chemical used in the production of polyurethanes for many applications. MDI is used primarily in the production of rigid polyurethane foams used for insulation for your home or refrigerator, and many other uses.
EPDM - Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
SBS - Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene
SBR - Styrene-Butadiene-Rubber

VOC - Volatile Organic Content

Poly Olefin based polymer systems:

• App - Atactic Poly Propylene
• APAO - Amorphous Poly Alpha Olefins
• TPO - Thermo Plastic Olefin - membranes
• IPP - Isotactic Poly Polypropylene - Sheet membranes

HAP - Hazardous air pollutants, also known as TAP - Toxic Air Pollutants or air toxics, are those pollutants that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as reproductive effects or birth defects, or adverse environmental effects. as listed in Section 112 of the U.S. Clean Air Act (1970) and Clean Air Act (1990). The list can be found on Wikipedia at National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, and on EPA.  Many air pollutants can be called as follows:

C = 

• ► Carbon monoxide‎ 
• ► Chlorine‎ 
• ► Cyanides‎ 
• G = 

• ► Glycol ethers‎ 
• P

• ► Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons‎ 

Which surface can hold how much load:

1. Concrete- Mechanically prepared to provide a roughened porous solid surface - 60 kg/m²
2. Sand/Cement Render - Applied to solid open porous roughened concrete, brick, or masonry surface. 32 kg/m²
3. Paper-faced plasterboard generic, Gyprock plasterboard - 32 kg/m² (Remove wallpaper, vinyl and paint finishes)
4. Gyprock Aquachek Sheet fixing @ 200mm centres (with/without Waterproof membrane) -12.5 kg/m²
5. Gyprock Aquachek Sheet fixing @ 100mm centres (with/without Waterproof membrane) - 32 kg/m²
6. Fibre Cement Wallboard# Sheet fixing @ 200mm centres - 20 kg/m²
7. Fibre Cement Wallboard# Sheet fixing @ 100mm centres - 32 kg/m²
8. Fibre Cement sheets for External Facades^ 
1. James Hardie EasyLap BGC – 50kg/m2
2. Innova Stonesheet - 40kg/m2
9. Gypsum Plaster can support a maximum weight of 20kg/m²
10. Gypsum Plasterboard direct can support a maximum weight of 32kg/m².
11. Wood based sheet can support 30 Kg/m2.
12. Foam cored tile backing boards and fiber cement boards can support 60 Kg/m2
13. Gypsum fiber boards can support approx. 35-40 Kg/m2.
14. Masonry and blockwork (May require rendering prior to the installation of tiling - refer to AS 3958.1 – 2007, Section 4.5 refer to sand/cement render). 32 kg/m²
15. Hebel Block Walls/Hebel Wall Panels 32kg/m² max. (Internal walls only. No additional mechanical fixings to be used)

This will be kept updating as on when the details I come across....

Let me know your comments below...

WATERSTOP

WATERSTOP plays an important role in waterproofing a concrete structure, especially at joints, the weakest part which is liable to leakage of water or chemical liquids. So waterstops are designed as a fluid-tight diaphragm embedded in or running along the joints to solve these problems. Manufactured from various materials in a range of shapes and sizes, the waterstops are perfect for various types of applications as shown below:
1. Water and sewage disposal projects.
2. Liquid containment.
3. Dams, channels, tunnels and tanks.
4. Box culverts and locks.
5. Primary and secondary containment structures.
6. Bridges and decks abutments.
7. Wall and slabs.
8. Basements and foundations, etc.

Different types of waterstop and their brief descriptions:

1. PVC waterstop, as the most common watertight type, features high tensile strength, elongation capability and high resistance to acids, ozone, alkalis, diesel oil, chlorinated water and other chemical liquids. Meanwhile, they will not discolor the concrete or support even produce electrolytic action with surrounding reinforcing steels.

2. HDPE waterstop is also a kind of extruded plastic watertight seal similar to PVC waterstop, however, this one comes with harder and stronger structure, higher abrasion ability as well as can withstand elevate and low temperatures. Additionally, high resistance to hydrocarbon, acids, oils and fuels makes it ideal for applications in fuel and hydrocarbon areas.

3. TPV & TPER waterstop is manufactured from recycled thermoplastic elastomeric rubber and plastic materials. Comparing with traditional PVC waterstop, this one has the characteristics of high resistance against temperature, weather as well as chemical liquids such as ketones, esters, glycols, alcohol, ozone, oils, solvents, hydrocarbon, etc.

4. Rubber waterstop is a hydrophobic water sealing products capable to withstand high water pressure and absorb high movements of concrete joints. Generally, SBR, neoprene rubber and natural rubber are the main materials for manufacture of rubber waterstops, but as your request, other materials are also available such as EPDM and silicone, etc.

5. Steel-edge waterstop is composed of central rubber part and steel plate rings which are inserted into the rubber. This special design allows the waterstop enable to subject to shear joint movements, structure sedimentation, concrete shrinkage and creeps, etc.

6. Stainless steel waterstop, coming with excellent corrosion resistance, prevents any passage of corrosive and aggressive fluids. Meanwhile, this waterstop is extremely resistant to fire, high temperature and ozone, so if you need waterstops for ozone contractor structures or chemical industries, this one is your best choice.

7. Reinforced waterstop is designed to meet specific needs of strength or water-proofing properties. As your requirements, waterstops can be reinforced with internal steel plates, external steel bars and expansible strips.

8. PZ waterstop is mainly composed of high quality vulcanizate rubber which makes it has physical properties of rubber in addition to expansible ability. With smaller size, the PZ waterstops come with excellent liquid resistance, stronger structure without elastic fatigue.

9. Bentonite waterstop, adds expansible bentonite to rubber base material to form a hydrophilic watertight products with water absorption no less than 300%. Meanwhile, it has great expansion control ability to avoid losing the integrity of strip waterstops. Bentonite waterstop with expanded metal is a new type water sealing product. The added expanded steel mesh (or nylon mesh as your request) effectively enhances the tensile strength of the waterstop and improves the overall construction quality.

10. Butyl rubber waterstop, as its name implies, is mainly composed of butyl rubber materials as well as other additives such as mastic or expanded clay. Also, as a kind of hydrophilic waterstop, it will expand when exposed to water and other water solutions and form a permanent compression seal in non-moving joints.

11. Mastic waterstop, different from all above strip waterstops, is a hydrophobic self-component, self-sealing product that can withstand all types of weather and harsh temperatures.

12. WPM SW: Swellable waterbar based on polymer technology and designed for use in construction joints. WPM SW slowly swells in volume when in contact with water and efficiently waterproofs the construction joint. The pressure of the swelling action will cause the WPM SW to profile itself exactly into the joint and effectively stopping water seepage, even at high external water pressure. WPM SW is suitable for all construction joints subject to hydrostatic pressure, on one or both sides. Movements in the joint (eg., shrinkage or settlement in the substrate) are taken up by the elastic profile of the waterbar.

Courtesy of : All details are collected from http://www.jointwaterstop.com/ and few from google.

Take a look of waterstop, how they look like:

Look how they will be installed and where:

Look in how many profile waterstop are available:

Look what are the test conducted on the waterstop and what are the physical parameters are waterstop:

Is there any standard for waterstop? Yes, Indian Standard IS 15058. Let us see what the standard says: