2/21/2019 Sandblasting Concrete Surface- Process and Advantages

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Sandblasting Concrete Surface- Process and Advantages

Sandblasting is a method to texture the surface of hardened concrete on patio, walls, columns, drive
remove paint or expose aggregates. The extent of sand blasting ranges from light cleaning to a dee
that exposes aggregates to around 2 cm.

Concrete Sandblasting Equipment

The equipment required for blasting might change based on the specified cut depth. If only the surfa
lightly removed, then any sandblasting tool or equipment can execute the work properly.

Fig. 1: Lightly blasted concrete

However, if the designated texture required a fairly deep cut, then the equipment capacity will have
importance for the success of sand blasting operation. Table 1 provides desired specifications for A
used for sandblasting.

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Fig. 2: Deeply sandblasted surface, close up view

Table 1 Preferred air compressor specifications for sandblasting

Air compressor specifications

Air compressor components Specified dimension

Nozzle capacity 8.5 m3/min

Minimum air pressure at nozzle 0.62 MPa (0.69MPa is preferred)

Minimum nozzle inside diameter 9.52mm

Hose inside diameter 38.1mm

Fig. 3: Sandblasting machine components

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2/21/2019 Sandblasting Concrete Surface- Process and Advantages

Fig. 4: Nozzle

Suitable Time for Sandblasting

The proper time to conduct blasting is a question of economics. The concrete matrix will be easier to
to 72 hours after casting.

Procedure of Sandblasting Concrete

1. In order to prevent damages due to sandblasting operation some measure need to be considered
sandblasting area. For example, remove all objects or items that can be move out, cover items that c
and cover surfaces; windows, and any exposed surfaces around the operation area to protect them
cleanness.

2. If sandblasting is carried out in closed area such as garages, then it is necessary to provide adequ

3. Worker need to use safety goggles, suits equipped with hood, and respirator so as to prevent inha
during sandblasting operation.

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2/21/2019 Sandblasting Concrete Surface- Process and Advantages

Fig. 5: Required tools used by sandblasting machine

operator

4. Stencils are installed to achieve certain texture, so these stencils shall be fixed prior to the beginn
process.

Fig. 6: Stencil for concrete

sandblasting

5. Close all the valves of sandblaster machine and fill its tank with sand or other available materials d
sandblasting such as soda, silica or silicon dioxide, steel grit, glass bead, and bristle blasting.

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2/21/2019 Sandblasting Concrete Surface- Process and Advantages

Fig. 7: Sandblasting material; Silica sand

6. Turn on the compressor and set low pressure at the beginning; possibly a range of 275 MPa to 0.

7. Direct the nozzle at the concrete, but it should be keep at a distance of 20cm to 40 cm away from
operator.

8. After that, start sandblasting of concrete surface top to bottom in order to achieve even coverage.
at distance of 30.5cm from the surface till the concrete is properly cleaned and required texture is ac
experienced operator can quickly determine the nozzle position to produce the specified surface finis

9. Employ short burst of sand for difficult area and sweeping motions for other parts of the concrete.

10. Clean the surface with compressed air after finishing the job. Collect all the utilized sand in a whe
away.

Advantages of Sandblasting
Sandblasting offers many benefits which include:

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2/21/2019 Sandblasting Concrete Surface- Process and Advantages

Cost effective

Efficient

Offer better results compare with other conventional methods

Fast

About Madeh Izat Hamakareem (https://theconstructor.org/author/madeh/)

Madeh is a Structural Engineer who works as Assistant Lecturer in Koya University. He is the author, editor and pa
theconstructor.org.

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