This study was initiated to evaluate Tri-Kote 18 Crect as a concrete treatment. Tri-Kote is a blend of chlorinated rubber, epoxies, and several other materials, which serves as a treatment for both new and old concrete surfaces. According to the manufacturer (T K Products Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota), Tri-Kote performs as a membrane curing compound and protective treatment against salt scaling for new concrete and as a protective treatment for old concrete. The study of Tri-Kote as a protective treatment for old concrete was assumed not to be essential since the treatment now used (see MHD Specification 3917) is less expensive than Tri-Kote and is considered quite satisfactory from a performance standpoint.
The use of Tri-Kote as a membrane curing compound and protective treatment on new concrete was, however, thought to possibly be more economical than the presently used combination of a polyethylene cure and protective treatment, and was therefore subjected to an evaluation study. Since it was found that Tri-Kote, when applied at a rate somewhat greater than that suggested by the manufacturer, did meet Minnesota Highway Department Specification 3754 for concrete membrane curing compounds, only an evaluation of Tri-Kote as a protective treatment on new concrete was made. This study then consists of a comparison of Tri-Kote treated and non-treated concrete with regards to durability.
