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Concrete Resurfacing Case Studies

Laura Di Bartolo

Here are three concrete resurfacing case studies featuring X-Bond Microcement, the go-to solution for resurfacing concrete around the world.

Ulysses S. Grant High School, Portland

THE PROBLEM

Without sacrificing the 1924 exterior facade, Portland Public Schools needed a surfacing solution that would be safe, time sensitive and cost effective compared to standard remediation.

A major challenge faced was the pre-existing magnesite concrete, which contains white asbestos, and is ultimately not suitable as a substrate for public traffic. Any solution needed to consider either removing or neutralising the asbestos, present in the staircases and areas of the structural flooring spanning 18,000 sq ft.

THE SOLUTION

The architect was in need of a finished surface that can be applied to strengthen the Magnesite and and encapsulate to neutralise the effects of the asbestos. Like all asbestos-laced materials, uncontrolled contact or removal would risk dispersing asbestos into the air. Moreover, the flooring could not be removed for structural reasons. There were no alternatives to the Remodel Without Removal method; where X-Bond Microcement (with the help of Liquid Membrane) is applied as a topical surface hardener and encapsulation system.

This addressed the following needs:

  • Eliminate the need for costly asbestos remediation

  • Avoid any sanding or dust with the existing magnesite, to keep exposure to a minimum

  • Engineer methods to increase psi of the magnesite so it’s prepared to receive a new surface

  • Provide a finished surface floor to blend with polished concrete on adjacent areas

  • Provide a finish that would be suitable to apply to stairs

  • A durable modern finish to compliment their blended design of old and new

  • An environmentally sustainable product for LEED accreditation

  • 10 Year Warranty

The entire school renovation was completed at over $40 million under budget, in large part thanks to the easier and more cost-effective process of installing X-Bond Microcement.

The Linq Rooftop Pool Deck

THE PROBLEM

Caesar’s Entertainment bought this 35-year old Las Vegas property in 2012, with plans to remodel for a new generation of Vegas visitors.

The casino’s rooftop swimming pool needed lots of love. There were major structural problems caused by the concrete substrate deteriorating down to the metal rebar. Plus, heavy rain caused leaking from the rooftop into the and guest rooms one level below. Part of the roof even had holes in it!

THE SOLUTION

The first option considered for concrete resurfacing was to remove the existing concrete slab and pour a new one. But, as the slab also functioned as the roof for the level underneath, this would’ve been difficult and costly in the long run.

Moreover, with decades-old slabs dating as far back as the 1970s, the new surface needed to bond on a molecular level with the deteriorated concrete in order to form a safe, ADA-compliant and waterproof rooftop deck. X-Bond was the preferred solution thanks to its strong molecular bonding agents and the Remodel Without Removal application — installed straight over the old concrete.

After applying X-Bond Brown Coat to stabilise the original substrate, the surface technicians installed microcement to the entire main pool, cabanas, and a smaller second pool.

Esperanza Resort

THE PROBLEM

This 5-star luxury hotel had ten suites to renovate in just four weeks. The problems with their existing concrete surfaces was extreme damage, leaking balconies, and an overall lack of aesthetics. They needed a material that was durable to avoid future repairs, and materials that could be sufficiently waterproofed. It also needed to be installed without noisy or timely demolition that would disrupt guests. The remodel had to be completed before the hotel hosted a celebrity wedding in just four weeks.

THE SOLUTION

X-Bond was specified as it was proven to withstand a high volume of visitor traffic in other hospitality precincts like hotels and casinos. Just as importantly, it was attractive enough to meet the aesthetic standards of a five-star luxury brand.

Although the lead time is usually six weeks for a project of this size, comprising ten large bedrooms and balconies, X-Bond was installed from start to finish within the tight four week deadline. The applicators even stencilled patterns onto the finished surface, creating a unique signature design that reflected the Esperanza brand identity.