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Concrete Repair Systems for Safety and Longevity with Chris Mathson from Resimac

Who It’s For

This session is useful for:

  • Maintenance Engineers

  • Plant Managers

  • Asset Management Technicians

  • Marine Surveyors

  • Pipefitters

  • Pump Repair Engineers


About the Speaker

Chris Mathson is the Business Development Manager, at Resimac Ltd., bringing 20+ years of experience in coatings.



Concrete failures may seem minor, but in industrial and commercial settings they create serious safety and financial risks. Small surface defects — a divot, a cracked nosing, or a spalled patch — are common trip hazards: a stiletto heel or a toe catching on an uneven slab can cause a fall, and forklifts hitting a change in elevation can spill loads or even tip.

Slips, trips and falls are the top OSHA-reportable incident type year after year; Aberdeen research estimates the employer cost for each reported incident at roughly $10,000–$50,000. That shows how even seemingly small concrete issues can carry outsized consequences.

Beyond immediate safety, concrete’s porosity creates long-term problems. Acid or chemical spills can seep into the substrate, accelerating deterioration and potentially contaminating soil — a regulatory and remediation headache on top of repair costs.

Because of these risks, routine inspection and timely repair of concrete — from leveling slabs and repairing nosings to sealing and chemical protection — should be a priority for any plant, warehouse, or commercial facility.

Most calls we get come down to two questions: what’s causing the damage, and how do we fix it for good? At Resimac, concrete repair is the foundation — literally — of our system. Our repair products create a uniform, durable substrate so protective barrier coatings applied afterward will perform as intended.

There are many concrete repair options on the market, but the key difference with Resimac is longevity and resistance to harsh exposures. Ordinary cementitious patches rely on simple water-and-binder adhesion; they often fail when moisture in the slab freezes and expands. In climates with repeated freeze–thaw cycles, weak repairs pop loose after a season or two.

Our goal is one permanent fix, not a short-term patch. We focus on materials and application methods that bond deeply, tolerate moisture movement, and hold up to freeze–thaw and chemical exposure — so you don’t have to keep calling back.

Joints, cold joints and slab separation are common culprits behind concrete failures in warehouses and commercial facilities. Differential settlement or poorly tied pours creates small ramps and gaps that are easy to miss — until a forklift hits one. Even a slight elevation change can jolt a lift, spill expensive loads, or, worst-case, tip the machine. That’s why repairs must be targeted: not every crack gets filled, but every hazardous joint or separation should be addressed.

Many DIY or big‑box cementitious patches rely on water‑based binders that often fail under repeated traffic and freeze–thaw cycles. For high‑traffic, high‑risk areas we use epoxy‑resin repair systems. Epoxy penetrates and chemically bonds with the substrate, producing a tenacious bond — pull‑off tests frequently separate the surrounding concrete before the repair fails.

Beyond adhesion, load resistance matters. Standard concrete often tests around 3,000–5,000 PSI; our epoxy‑quartz repair blends commonly deliver 12,000–15,000+ PSI equivalent performance, plus superior wear resistance from the quartz aggregate. In short: properly specified epoxy repairs provide durable, long‑lasting surfaces that keep equipment stable and people safe — and save repeated patchwork down the road.

Resimac 570 and 571: quick, dependable concrete repairs

Resimac 570 — fast, localized repairs
Resimac 570 is designed for small, high‑use repairs where speed matters. It’s self‑priming (no primer required), wets out and rebuilds the substrate, trowels smoothly, and reaches initial hardness in about 45 minutes. At 70°F it’s safe for forklift traffic in roughly 4 hours, so small damaged areas—broken handrail anchors, chipped slab edges, or localized spalls—can be restored and returned to service the same day. Packaged for convenient handling, 570 works bucket‑to‑bucket for slightly larger patches too.

Resimac 571 — vertical and overhead rebuilds
Resimac 571 is formulated for vertical and overhead concrete work: walls, tank surfaces, bridges, and overpasses. It’s packable to roughly 2–3 inches without slumping, bonds directly to sound concrete (no rebar exposure or pinning required), and builds without sag. Cure profile is slower than 570—mechanical hardness develops over several hours—making it ideal where workability and non‑slump performance are essential.

Bottom line: use 570 when you need a fast, return‑to‑service patch; choose 571 when you need a stable, buildable solution for vertical or overhead concrete repairs.

Resimac 576 vs 577 — when to choose which for larger repairs

Resimac 570 handles fast, localized patches. For larger resurfacing or full‑bay repairs, you want a product with more working time — enter Resimac 576.

Resimac 576:

  • Designed for larger areas: floor resurfacing, secondary containment, or re‑screening entire slabs.
  • Longer workability (around 20–25 minutes) so you can trowel and finish consistently over a big area.
  • Slower cure than 570, so plan for longer return‑to‑service times before overlaying or heavy traffic.

Resimac 577:

  • Formulated identically to 576 in handling and mechanical properties, but uses Enobilac resin as the binder.
  • Delivers substantially improved chemical resistance — ideal where aggressive chemicals, solvents, or persistent exposure caused the original damage.

How to choose:

  • Use 576 when you need a robust resurfacing product and plan to topcoat later with a chemical‑resistant barrier (typical workflow: repair → cure → primer/coating).
  • Use 577 when you want to eliminate extra steps: it can be applied across the area to provide both repair and integrated chemical protection, avoiding the need to return with primers and multiple coating layers. That makes 577 a time‑saving choice for tight schedules (e.g., secondary containment where you need a reliable chemical‑resistant surface quickly).

In short: 576 for large repairs where you’ll follow with a tailored coating; 577 when chemical resistance and a one‑step solution matter most.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

  • Where are these products available and only director at retailers?
  • What repair materials hold up best in free thaws environments?
  • How do you prevent repaired areas from failing differently than the surrounding concrete?
  • Are any of these materials compatible with humid environments?

Elastomeric Repair on a Spillway for Manufacturing Facilities

Flexible Composite Repair for a Damaged, Leaking Overflow Spillway

A major automotive component manufacturer was experiencing production disruption due to a damaged and leaking overflow spillway. The spillway played an important role in balancing flow between holding tanks awaiting treatment, making the repair critical to plant operations. Instead of relying on a temporary patch or full replacement, Unconventional Solutions inspected the issue and recommended an Elastomeric Repair on a Spillway using Resiflex repair materials and reinforcement mesh.

This project demonstrates how elastomeric composite repair systems can help manufacturing facilities address leaks, damaged fiberglass surfaces, and challenging equipment repairs where flexibility and durability are important.

The Problem: Damaged and Leaking Overflow Spillway

damaged leaking fiberglass overflow spillway before repair

The manufacturer had a damaged overflow spillway that was leaking and disrupting production. This spillway was used to help balance flow between holding tanks before treatment, so failure in this area created a direct operational concern.

Because the substrate was fiberglass, the repair needed to bond properly while also allowing for the movement and flexibility often required in fiberglass and spillway applications.

That made an Elastomeric Repair on a Spillway the right solution.

 

The Solution: Elastomeric Composite Repair With Reinforcement

After inspecting the damaged area, Unconventional Solutions recommended an elastomeric composite repair system designed for the spillway’s conditions.

The repair included:

This approach helped repair the damaged fiberglass spillway while creating a flexible, reinforced system suitable for the application.

Benefits of Elastomeric Repair on a Spillway

Choosing an Elastomeric Repair on a Spillway can offer several advantages for manufacturing and industrial facilities dealing with leaks, damaged fiberglass, or flow-control infrastructure.

Key benefits include:

  • Helps repair leaking spillways without full replacement
  • Works well for fiberglass substrates
  • Provides a flexible repair system for areas subject to movement
  • Reinforces damaged areas with mesh or fiberglass backing
  • Helps reduce production disruption caused by leaks
  • Supports continued flow control between holding tanks
  • Can be used on irregular shapes and difficult repair areas
  • Offers a practical solution for damaged overflow systems

Why Use Elastomeric Repair Instead of Replacement?

In manufacturing environments, damaged spillways, tanks, and fiberglass components can create major downtime concerns. Full replacement may require shutdowns, fabrication lead time, or costly removal and installation work.

An Elastomeric Repair on a Spillway gives facilities a practical alternative when the goal is to stop leaks, reinforce damaged areas, and keep critical systems operating.

For fiberglass spillways and overflow systems, elastomeric repair materials are especially useful because they can provide both adhesion and flexibility.

Need Help With a Leaking Spillway or Fiberglass Repair?

Unconventional Solutions helps manufacturing plants, wastewater facilities, and industrial operations repair damaged infrastructure with advanced composite repair and corrosion control systems.

Whether you need an Elastomeric Repair on a Spillway, fiberglass repair, gasket repair, or leak repair solution, our team can help identify the right products and process for your application.

Call USI at 248-735-7000 or contact us today to discuss your repair project.

36″ Pipe Refurbishment for Water & Wastewater Facilities

Cost-Effective Pipe Repair for Severely Corroded Wastewater Infrastructure

When a wastewater treatment plant discovered severe corrosion on a 36-inch metal pipe, full replacement was not the ideal solution. Replacing the entire pipe would have cost the plant over $100,000, creating a major expense and likely operational disruption. Instead, the facility turned to Unconventional Solutions for a practical 36″ Pipe Refurbishment system using proven surface preparation, metal repair, and reinforcement materials.

Project Overview

Application: 36″ Pipe Refurbishment
Industry: Water & Wastewater
Substrate: Metal
Completion Date: May 2025
Products Used: USI Universal Cleaner, MBX Bristle Blaster, Resimetal 302, Resimetal 301, and Resimac Reinforcement Tape 807

The Problem: Severe Corrosion on a 36-Inch Pipe

36 inch pipe refurbishment for wastewater treatment plantThe wastewater treatment plant was dealing with a severely corroded 36-inch pipe. In water and wastewater environments, corrosion can quickly become a serious operational and safety issue. Moisture, chemical exposure, harsh service conditions, and aging infrastructure can all contribute to metal loss and pipe deterioration.

For this facility, replacing the entire pipe would have exceeded $100,000, making replacement expensive and disruptive. The plant needed a repair option that could restore the pipe, reinforce the damaged area, and help avoid the cost of full replacement.

That made 36″ Pipe Refurbishment the right solution.

 

 

 

The Solution: Surface Preparation, Metal Rebuilding, and Reinforcement

large diameter pipe refurbishment instead of replacementThe repair process started by removing loose rust and debris from the pipe. Proper surface preparation is critical for any successful pipe refurbishment project because coatings and repair materials need a clean, prepared substrate to perform properly.

Next, an MBX Bristle Blaster was used to prepare the pipe surface and achieve an acceptable surface profile. Once the surface was ready, the area was cleaned and degreased using USI Universal Cleaner.

After preparation, Resimetal 302 was applied to rebuild areas of metal loss. This helped restore the pipe profile and create a stronger repair base. The repair was then reinforced using Resimetal 301 and Resimac Reinforcement Tape 807. A final layer of Resimetal 301 was applied to complete the system.

The result was a successful 36″ Pipe Refurbishment that helped the client avoid full pipe replacement while restoring confidence in the damaged asset.

Benefits of 36″ Pipe Refurbishment

A properly designed 36″ Pipe Refurbishment system can deliver major benefits for water and wastewater plants, especially when replacing the pipe would be expensive or difficult.

Key benefits include:

  • Helps avoid costly full pipe replacement
  • Restores areas affected by corrosion and metal loss
  • Reinforces damaged pipe sections
  • Reduces risk of further deterioration
  • Extends service life of aging wastewater infrastructure
  • Minimizes downtime and operational disruption
  • Provides a practical repair path for hard-to-replace piping
  • Allows facilities to address corrosion before failure occurs

Why Refurbish Instead of Replace?

Pipe replacement is not always the most cost-effective answer. Large-diameter piping in wastewater plants can be difficult to access, expensive to remove, and disruptive to replace. When a pipe still has enough remaining structure for a properly engineered repair, refurbishment can be a smarter option.

With the right surface preparation, repair materials, and reinforcement system, 36″ Pipe Refurbishment can help facilities control costs while protecting critical infrastructure.

For this wastewater treatment plant, refurbishment helped avoid a replacement cost of more than $100,000 while giving the client a successful repair solution.

Need Help With Corroded Wastewater Piping?

Unconventional Solutions helps water and wastewater facilities repair, reinforce, and protect aging infrastructure with advanced composite repair and corrosion control systems.

Whether you are dealing with a 36″ Pipe Refurbishment, severe pipe corrosion, metal loss, or an expensive replacement project, our team can help identify a practical repair solution.

Call USI at 248-735-7000 or contact us today to discuss your pipe repair application.

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