AUTEC US Navy Base, Bahamas

Project Description:

The main diesel and aviation fuel storage secondary containment area was not performing as had been designed.  Several fuel spills within the area had managed to leak outside the secondary containment due to cracks and porosity of the concrete structure.  As timing, due to weather conditions, was very important, the polyurea spray system was chosen due to the excellent resistance to the contained fuels and rapid cure time / return to service.

The concrete area was in very poor condition.  Previously applied paint was pealing from the concrete and areas around the main center tank had vegetation and trees growing.  The vegetation was removed and the areas treated.  The concrete was pressure washed using a hot aqueous solution of BioSolve to remove and contaminants and rinsed.  As the concrete surface was in good condition and had a good texture for coating acceptance, abrasive blasting was not required.  The complete area was primed with a water emulsifiable polyurethane primer for adhesion enhancement and reduction / elimination of concrete outgassing.  The polyurea system was then applied at a nominal thickness of 80 to 100 mils.

There were several days where the rain called for application interruptions.  The fast / complete cure of the polyurea system was unaffected by the rains.  The system was applied up and onto the large center to create a seamless, bonded containment membrane.  Application was completed in less than one week.