Engineering the Future of Concrete Preservation
Proven UFGS-Specified Solutions for Long-Term Structural Performance
Why This Matters
Across the globe, reinforced concrete structures face relentless attack: corrosion of embedded steel, water intrusion, mechanical stress, and environmental exposure. Traditional patch-and-paint repairs often fail prematurely, leading to repeated maintenance cycles and escalating costs.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NAVFAC (Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command), AFCEC, and NASA have addressed this challenge head-on with Unified Facilities Guide Specification (UFGS 09 97 23.17): Corrosion Inhibitor Coating of Concrete Surfaces. This specification formally recognizes SURTREAT Technologies as a solution that meets the most rigorous performance standards for life extension, corrosion control, water resistance, and structural strengthening.
The UFGS-Specified Three-Part System
1. TPS XII – Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitor
· Migrates in the gas phase through cement pores.
· Forms a protective molecular film directly on reinforcing steel.
· Designed to arrest corrosion initiation and progression.
2. TPS II – Ionic Corrosion Inhibitor
· Penetrates as a liquid into the concrete matrix.
· Acts at the anodic sites on rebar to halt electrochemical corrosion.
· Remediates chloride-contaminated or weak cement matrices.
3. Repel WB – Surface Sealant
· Chemically bonds within the concrete to create an insoluble cross-linked silicone membrane.
· Dramatically reduces water ingress and environmental attack.
· Maintains breathability while delivering deep, lasting protection.
Minimum Performance Requirements (As Mandated by UFGS 09 97 23.17)
Independent testing and government standards require:
· 10+ Year Life Extension – Minimum certified performance guarantee.
· 50% Reduction in Corrosion Rates – Verified against pre-application conditions.
· 80% Reduction in Water Penetration – Critical for durability in marine, humid, and freeze-thaw environments.
· 500 psi Increase in Pullout Strength – Improves structural bonding and resilience.
Applications in the Field
· Military Infrastructure – Kadena Air Base (Okinawa) vaults and ammo depots repaired with SURTREAT showed dramatic before-and-after improvements, preventing spalling and restoring watertightness.
· Utilities – Madison Gas & Electric vault renewal with corrosion inhibitors and Repel WB reduced maintenance cycles and eliminated leakage hazards.
· Transportation – Mexico City underpasses and U.S. highway structures achieved extended service lives under traffic, thermal cycling, and heavy loads.
Why Owners and Engineers Choose UFGS-Specified Systems
· Proven in Critical Facilities – From NASA launch structures to Department of Defense bases, performance has been validated in the most demanding conditions.
· Surface-Applied Efficiency – Treatments penetrate existing concrete, minimizing demolition, downtime, and labor costs.
· Integrated Chemistry + Engineering – Unlike superficial coatings, SURTREAT’s system alters the concrete chemistry internally, protecting steel and strengthening the matrix.
· Sustainability Advantage – Extending the life of existing structures avoids the environmental burden of new concrete production.
The Bottom Line
The UFGS 09 97 23.17 specification is more than a guideline—it is a mandate for performance. By adopting SURTREAT’s three-part system (TPS XII, TPS II, Repel WB), owners and engineers gain proven, long-term protection for their most valuable assets.
Whether preserving a bridge, parking structure, power vault, or airbase facility, this is the future of concrete repair: less demolition, more preservation, and decades of reliable service life.