Preparation
Tensile forces are transferred from the carbon fiber plate through the adhesive into the bearing substrate. The substrate should therefore have an inherent surface tensile strength greater than 1.5 N/mm2. Testing of the tensile strength of the substrate should be carried out prior to application of carbon fiber plate by a bond test.
The surface of the substrate must be roughened by grinding or sandblasting to remove any weak surface laitance or deleterious friable material. In order to prevent peeling due to deviation forces, the evenness of the prepared surface must be tested with a 2 m straight edge. Maximum allowable deviation is 5 mm over a 2 m length.
If the substrate is uneven, then it will need to be re-profiled using epoxy putty. If the substrate is poor and the tensile bond strength is less than 1.5 N/mm 2, the surface may need to be primed.
Solvent-wipe the carbon fiber plate with to remove carbon dust and any contaminants. Wait until surface is dry before applying adhesive.
Application
Apply mixed CRS-CB362 to the prepared concrete at 2 mm thickness and carbon fiber plate at 2–3 mm thickness within the pot life of the adhesive.
Place the carbon fiber plate onto the prepared substrate with the two adhesive layers in contact. Use hard rubber roller to press the laminate onto the substrate until adhesive squeezes out from both sides of the laminate. Roller along the center of the plate to achieve a void-free bond line of approximate thickness of 2–4 mm.
Remove the surplus adhesive from the sides of the laminate.
After 24 hours, when the adhesive has cured, test for voids by lightly tapping the laminate with a small hammer.
