The trend in the treatment of corroded concrete structures in Waste Water Treatment facilities has been
to use thick mil thermo-set polymer linings to protect against the continuing effects of its corrosive
environment. While organizations such as NACE, SSPC and ICRI have done much to enhance many
coatings professionals understanding of this specialized area of corrosion control, proper application and
inspection of much of the work in both public and private sector jobs continues to be substandard.
This paper will provide the reader with an overview of the myriad of structures being coated, the
proper pre-job analysis, surface preparation and finally the correct application of various thick mil
polymer systems. The paper will include the causes of deteriorating concrete structures in much of our
aging infrastructure and the industry’s response with epoxy, polyurethane, and polyurea coatings.
Finally, this paper will examine the shortfalls in application and inspection in many public and private
projects within this market. While there are no shortage of subject matter experts at an academic or
managerial level, the need for speed and profits seem to be outweighing the need for thoughtful
application and inspection in the field. Given this, this paper will examine the shortfalls in many jobs
that often go unnoticed by non-existent or unfamiliar inspectors.
Key words: Coatings and linings, Thermo-set, elastomers, Wastewater treatment, coatings inspections,
concrete deterioration