An ACI Standard

Specification for Bonding

Fresh Concrete to Hardened
Concrete with a Multi-
Component Epoxy Adhesive
Reported by ACI Committee 548
ACI 548.13-14
 First Printing
October 2014
ISBN: 978-0-87031-938-9

Specification for Bonding Fresh Concrete to Hardened Concrete with a

Multi-Component Epoxy Adhesive
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 ACI 548.13-14

Specification for Bonding Fresh Concrete to

Hardened Concrete with a Multi-Component Epoxy
Adhesive
An ACI Standard

Reported by ACI Committee 548

Bradley Nemunaitis, Chair Mahmoud M. Reda Taha, Secretary

Ashraf I. Ahmed Michael L. Schmidt Craig A. Ballinger William Lee

Mohammad A. Alhassan Joe Solomon John J. Bartholomew Troy D. Madeley
Milton D. Anderson Michael M. Sprinkel Shashi P. Bhatnagar Henry N. Marsh Jr.
Jacques A. Bertrand Michael S. Stenko Zhi-Yuan Chen Peter Mendis
Constantin Bodea Donald P. Tragianese Inz Lech Czarnecki Peter J. Moss
David W. Fowler Wafeek S. Wahby Harold (Dan) R. Edwards Yoshihiko Ohama
Quentin L. Hibben David White Larry J. Farrell Kelly M. Page
Albert O. Kaeding David P. Whitney Jack J. Fontana Jerzy Pietrzykowski
John R. Milliron Richard E. Wollmershauser George Horeczko Hamid Saadatmanesh
Myles A. Murray David P. Hu Donald A. Schmidt
Joseph A. Nuciforo Jr. Consulting Members Bert Paul Kriekemans Meyer Steinberg
John R. Robinson Lu Anqi Deon Kruger Harold H. Weber Jr.

This specification describes the work of bonding fresh concrete to 3.3—Adhesive mixtures, p. 3
hardened concrete with a multi-component epoxy adhesive, such 3.4—Adhesive application and concrete placement, p. 3
as defined for this purpose in ASTM C881/C881M. Included are 3.5—Cleanup, p. 3
controls for adhesive labeling, storage, handling, surface evalu- 3.6—Safety, p. 3
ation and preparation, mixing and application, inspection, safety,
3.7—Field quality performance requirements, p. 3
quality control, and testing.

Keywords: adhesive; bond; construction; epoxy resins; fresh concretes; (nonmandatory portion follows)
quality control; repair; safety; surface.
NOTES TO SPECIFIER, p. 4
CONTENTS General notes, p. 4
(mandatory portion follows)
FOREWORD TO CHECKLIST, p. 4
PART 1—GENERAL, p. 2
1.1—Scope, p. 2 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST, p. 5
1.2—Interpretation, p. 2
1.3—Definitions, p. 2 OPTIONAL REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST, p. 5
1.4—Referenced standards, p. 2
1.5—Submittals, p. 2 (mandatory portion follows)
1.6—Product delivery, storage, and handling, p. 2
1.7—Project conditions, p. 3

PART 2—PRODUCTS, p. 3
ACI 548.13-14 became effective September 5, 2014, and was adopted and published
2.1—Materials, p. 3 October 2014..
Copyright © 2014, American Concrete Institute
PART 3—EXECUTION, p. 3 All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form or by any
means, including the making of copies by any photo process, or by electronic or
3.1—Preparation, p. 3 mechanical device, printed, written, or oral, or recording for sound or visual reproduc-
3.2—Inspection, p. 3 tion or for use in any knowledge or retrieval system or device, unless permission in
writing is obtained from the copyright proprietors.

1
2 BONDING FRESH CONCRETE TO HARDENED CONCRETE WITH MULTI-COMPONENT EPOXY ADHESIVE (ACI 548.13-14)
PART 1—GENERAL
1.1—Scope
1.1.1 This specification covers the bonding of fresh
concrete to hardened concrete with a multi-component
epoxy adhesive as indicated in Contract Documents.
1.1.2 This specification governs for construction within its
scope, except the Contract Documents govern if there is a
conflict.
1.1.3 Values in this specification are stated in inch-pound
units. A companion specification in SI units is also available.
1.1.4 The Notes to Specifier are not part of this
specification.
1.2—Interpretation
Unless otherwise explicitly stated, this specification shall
be interpreted using the following principles:
(a) Interpret this specification consistent with the plain
meaning of the words and terms used.
(b) Definitions provided in this specification govern over
the definitions of the same or similar words or terms found
elsewhere.
(c) Whenever possible, interpret this specification so that
its provisions are in harmony and do not conflict.
(d) Headings are part of this specification and are intended
to identify the scope of the provisions or sections that follow.
If there is a difference in meaning or implication between
the text of a provision and a heading, the meaning in the text
governs.
(e) Where a provision of this specification involves two or
more items, conditions, requirements, or events connected
by the conjunctions “and” or “or,” interpret the conjunction
as follows:
“and” indicates that all of the connected items, condi-
tions, requirements, or events apply.
“or” indicates that the connected items, conditions,
requirements, or events apply singularly.
(f) The use of the verbs “may” or “will” indicates that the
specification provision is for information to the Contractor.
1.3—Definitions
The following definitions govern in this specification. For
definitions not given, refer to “ACI Concrete Terminology,”
http://www.concrete.org/Tools/ConcreteTerminology.aspx.
accepted—determined to be satisfactory by Architect/
Engineer.
Architect/Engineer—architect, engineer, architectural
firm, or engineering firm, developing Contract Documents
or administering the Work under Contract Documents, or
both.
Contract Documents—a set of documents supplied by
the owner to the contractor as the basis for construction.
These documents contain contract forms, contract condi-
tions, specifications, drawings, addenda, and contract
changes.
Contractor—the person, firm, or entity under contract for
construction of the Work.
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epoxy—a thermosetting polymer that is the reaction
product of epoxy resin and a hardener.
fresh concrete—concrete that possesses enough of its
original workability so that it can be placed and consolidated
by the intended methods.
Owner—the corporation, association, partnership,
individual, public body, or authority for whom Work is
constructed.
Project Specification—written document that details
requirements for the Work in accordance with service
parameters and other specific criteria.
specifier—the person or entity preparing and organizing
the project specification for a construction project.
submit—provide to Architect/Engineer for review.
submittal—document or material provided to the Archi-
tect/Engineer for review or acceptance.
Work—the entire construction or separately identifi-
able parts thereof required to be furnished under Contract
Documents.
1.4—Referenced standards
Standards of ASTM International referred to in this stan-
dard are listed with serial designation, including year of
adoption or revision.
1.4.1 ASTM International
ASTM C42/C42M-13—Standard Test Method for
Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of
Concrete
ASTM C881/C881M-13—Standard Specification for
Epoxy-Resin-Base Bonding Systems for Concrete
ASTM C1583/C1583M-13—Standard Test Method for
Tensile Strength of Concrete Surfaces and the Bond Strength
or Tensile Strength of Concrete Repair and Overlay Mate-
rials by Direct Tension (Pull-off Method)
ASTM D4580/D4580M-12—Standard Practice for
Measuring Delaminations in Concrete Bridge Decks by
Sounding
1.5—Submittals
1.5.1 Certifications—Submit manufacturer’s certification
verifying conformance to material specifications.
1.5.2 Application control—Submit mixing and applica-
tion procedures for acceptance prior to use.
1.5.3 Data—Submit manufacturer’s technical data sheets
and material safety data sheets (MSDS).
1.6—Product delivery, storage, and handling
1.6.1 Delivery of materials—Deliver materials in sealed
containers with labels legible and intact.
1.6.2 Labeling—Only use materials that are marked with
the following information:
a) Name of manufacturer
b) Manufacturer’s product identification
c) Manufacturer’s instructions for mixing
d) Warning for handling and toxicity
e) Expiration date and lot number
 BONDING FRESH CONCRETE TO HARDENED CONCRETE WITH MULTI-COMPONENT EPOXY ADHESIVE (ACI 548.13-14)
1.6.3 Storage of materials—Store materials at tempera-
tures between 40 and 100°F, unless otherwise recommended
by manufacturer.
1.6.4 Handling of materials—Handle materials to avoid
breaking container seals and in accordance with the MSDS
and manufacturer’s recommendations.
1.7—Project conditions
1.7.1 Environmental requirements—Comply with manu-
facturer’s recommendations and specified project conditions
regarding environmental conditions under which the adhe-
sive shall be applied, unless otherwise specified.
PART 2—PRODUCTS
2.1—Materials
2.1.1 Multi-component epoxy adhesive—ASTM C881/
C881M Type II for non-load-bearing or Type V for load-
bearing applications, unless otherwise specified. Curing
temperature requirements (class) and viscosity (grade) shall
be determined by supplier and Contractor based on specified
project conditions.
2.1.2 Fresh concrete—As required in Contract Documents.
PART 3—EXECUTION
3.1—Preparation
3.1.1 Preparation of concrete surfaces
3.1.1.1 Mechanical abrasion—Concrete surfaces to which
adhesives are to be applied shall be newly prepared concrete
free of loose and unsound materials. Prepare surfaces
according to one of the following, unless otherwise speci-
fied: shotblasting, sandblasting, scarifying, or waterblasting.
3.2—Inspection
3.2.1 Inspect concrete surfaces prior to application of
adhesive.
3.2.2 Unless otherwise specified, concrete surfaces shall
have an average pulloff strength of at least 250 psi based on
three tests at each location when tested in accordance with
ASTM C1583/C1583M. Unless otherwise specified, test
locations shall represent no greater than 500 yd2 of prepared
surface.
3.2.3 Surfaces shall be free of deleterious materials,
including laitance, curing compounds, dust, dirt, oil, and
other material that may prevent bonding. Materials resulting
from surface preparation shall be removed. Any limitations
on the removal of preparation materials shall be as specified
in Contract Documents.
3.2.4 At the time of installation, surface temperature of
the concrete shall be at least 40°F, unless otherwise speci-
fied, for ASTM C881/C881M Classes A and B multi-compo-
nent epoxy adhesive to permit wetting of concrete surface
by adhesive. Surface temperature shall be at least 60°F
for ASTM C881/C881M Class C multi-component epoxy
adhesives.
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3
3.2.5 All concrete surfaces shall not exceed saturated
surface-dry conditions at the time of installation, unless
otherwise specified.
3.3—Adhesive mixtures
3.3.1 Mix epoxy components in a clean container.
3.3.2 Condition epoxy compound components to be at a
temperature between 60 and 100°F, unless otherwise recom-
mended by manufacturer.
3.3.3 Blend epoxy components with a mechanical mixer
in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
3.4—Adhesive application and concrete placement
3.4.1 Do not apply adhesive if ambient temperature and
hardened concrete temperature are not within the adhesive
manufacturer’s allowable range. Placement of fresh concrete
shall conform to ambient temperature requirements of the
Contract Documents.
3.4.2 Apply adhesive to concrete surface by brush, roller,
broom, squeegee, or spray equipment. Apply adhesive at a
thickness not less than that recommended by manufacturer.
3.4.3 Place fresh concrete while adhesive is still tacky. If
the adhesive cures to the extent of losing its tack before fresh
concrete is placed, remove or abrade first coat and apply a
second coat.
3.4.4 Consolidate freshly placed fresh concrete in accor-
dance with Contract Documents.
3.4.5 Upon completion of finishing operations, cure
concrete in accordance with procedures in Contract
Documents.
3.5—Cleanup
3.5.1 Protect concrete surfaces beyond limits of surface
receiving adhesive against spillage.
3.5.2 Remove any adhesive applied or spilled beyond
desired areas. Perform cleanup with material designated by
adhesive manufacturer. Avoid contamination of work area.
3.5.3 Unused materials shall be disposed in accordance
with manufacturer’s recommendations and applicable
regulations.
3.6—Safety
3.6.1 Advise applicators to avoid contacting adhesive with
eyes and skin, inhalation of vapors, and ingestion. Make
protective and safety equipment available on site. Refer to
MSDS and heed label warnings by manufacturer.
3.7—Field quality performance requirements
3.7.1 Architect/Engineer will evaluate bonding of fresh
concrete to existing concrete after the fresh concrete has
cured for at least 28 days.
3.7.2 The evaluation will be performed by sounding in
accordance with ASTM D4580/D4580M or other applicable
methods.
3.7.3 Detection of a hollow sound or other indication of
delamination in any area shall be reason to suspect inad-
equate bonding. Contractor shall core suspected area, as
4 BONDING FRESH CONCRETE TO HARDENED CONCRETE WITH MULTI-COMPONENT EPOXY ADHESIVE (ACI 548.13-14)
requested by Architect/Engineer, to determine bonding
adequacy.
3.7.4 Coring shall be performed in accordance with ASTM
C42/C42M and shall penetrate through the new concrete and
into the existing concrete. Core diameter shall be as speci-
fied by Architect/Engineer. Length of cores shall be twice
the core diameter, or twice the thickness of new concrete, or
as specified by Architect/Engineer.
3.7.5 Cores will be visually inspected, and further testing,
if required, will be determined by Architect/Engineer.
(nonmandatory portion follows)
NOTES TO SPECIFIER
General notes
G1. ACI Specification ACI 548.13-14 is to be used by
reference or incorporation in its entirety in the Project Speci-
fication. Do not copy individual sections, parts, articles, or
paragraphs into the Project Specification, because taking
them out of context may change their meaning.
G2. If sections or parts of ACI Specification 548.13-14 are
copied into the Project Specification or any other document,
do not refer to them as an ACI Specification, because the
specification has been altered.
G3. A statement such as the following will serve to make
ACI Specification ACI 548.13-14 a part of the Project
Specification:
“Work on (Project Title) shall conform to all
requirements of ACI 548.13-14, “Specification for
Bonding Fresh Concrete to Hardened Concrete
with a Multi-Component Epoxy Adhesive,”
published by the American Concrete Institute,
Farmington Hills, Michigan, except as modified by
these Contract Documents.”
G4. Each technical section of ACI Specification 548.13-14
is written in the three-part section format of the Construction
Specifications Institute, as adapted for ACI requirements.
The language is imperative and terse.
G5. If ACI Specification 548.13-14 is used with another
ACI specification that contains overlapping provisions,
identify which requirements are in conflict, and state in the
Contract Documents which requirements control.
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FOREWORD TO CHECKLIST
F1. This Foreword is included for explanatory purposes
only; it is not a part of Specification ACI 548.13-14.
F2. ACI Specification 548.13-14 may be referenced by
the Specifier in the Project Specification for any building
project, together with supplementary requirements for the
specific project. Responsibilities for project participants
must be defined in the Project Specification. ACI Specifica-
tion 548.13-14 cannot and does not address responsibilities
for any project participant other than the Contractor.
F3. Checklists do not form a part of ACI Specification
548.13-14. Checklists assist the specifier in selecting and
specifying project requirements in the Project Specification.
F4. The Mandatory Requirements Checklist indicates
work requirements regarding specific qualities, procedures,
materials, and performance criteria that are not defined in
ACI Specification 548.13-14. The Specifier must include
these requirements in the Project Specification.
F5. The Optional Requirements Checklist identifies Spec-
ifier choices and alternatives. The checklist identifies the
sections, parts, and articles of ACI Specification 548.13-14
and the action required or available to the specifier. The
specifier should review each of the items in the Checklist
and make adjustments to the needs of a particular project by
including those selected alternatives as mandatory require-
ments in the Project Specification.
F6. Recommended references—Documents and publica-
tions that are referenced in the checklists of ACI Specifi-
cation 548.14-14 are listed below. These references provide
guidance to the specifier and are not considered to be part of
ACI Specification 548.13-14.
ASTM International
ASTM C881/C881M-13—Standard Specification for
Epoxy-Resin-Base Bonding Systems for Concrete
ASTM C1583/C1583M-13—Standard Test Method for
Tensile Strength of Concrete Surfaces and the Bond Strength
or Tensile Strength of Concrete Repair and Overlay Mate-
rials by Direct Tension (Pull-off Method)
ASTM D4258-05(2012)—Standard Practice for Surface
Cleaning Concrete for Coating
ASTM D4259-88(2012)—Standard Practice for Abrading
Concrete
International Concrete Repair Institute
ICRI 310.2-1997—Selecting and Specifying Concrete
Surface Preparation for Sealers, Coatings, and Polymer
Overlays
 BONDING FRESH CONCRETE TO HARDENED CONCRETE WITH MULTI-COMPONENT EPOXY ADHESIVE (ACI 548.13-14) 5

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

Section/Part/Article Notes to Designer/Specifier
1.1.1 Specify specific scope of work.
2.1.2 Specify concrete requirements.
3.2.3 Specify limitations, if any, on the removal of waste materials.
3.4.1 Specify ambient temperature requirements for concrete placement.
3.4.4 Specify concrete consolidation requirements.
3.4.5 Specify concrete cure requirements.

OPTIONAL REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

Section/Part/Article Notes to Designer/Specifier
1.7.1 Specify any project conditions that specifically affect this work.

Performance of epoxy systems may be affected by temperature, humidity, and surface water. Strict adherence to the manufac-
turer’s recommendations should be maintained. Where other unusual conditions are encountered, the material manufacturer
should be consulted before application.
2.1.1 Specify Class and Grade of epoxy. Specify additional performance requirements, acceptable suppliers, or both.
3.1.1.1 Specify which ICRI 310.2 chip face is acceptable. Specify methods for preparing surfaces such as in accordance with ASTM
D4258 and ASTM D4259.
3.2.2 Specify average strength, test locations, and number of tests for evaluating the concrete in accordance with ASTM C1583/
C1583M.

If the test results are not in failure of the concrete but in cohesion of the epoxy resin adhesive, or any failure in adhesion, the
test shall be repeated. Repeated failures in adhesion, or cohesion in the adhesive, indicate improper cleaning of the concrete,
incorrect adhesive, or faulty adhesive application techniques.
3.2.4 Some epoxy adhesives may be capable of wetting the concrete surface at temperatures below 40°F. The specification should
allow such use only if test data are available that conclusively demonstrates adequate bond at the actual concrete temperature
expected.
3.2.5 ASTM C881/C881M epoxy resin systems are considered moisture tolerant and will bond to saturated surface-dry concrete. If
the concrete surface exceeds saturated surface-dry conditions, or if the epoxy resin system used does not meet the require-
ments of ASTM C881/C881M, the epoxy resin system manufacturer should be consulted regarding suitability of system and
adequacy of application techniques.
3.7.4 Specify diameter of cores to be obtained, if necessary.

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