03 May 2023 | Rockbond SCP Ltd
Rockbond underwater putty
Rockbond underwater putty (RB UWP) powder is a blend of special cement powders, high quality graded silica sands, acrylic resin polymers and underwater admixtures.
The compound, when mixed with water, produces a cementitious putty which is non flowing, fibre reinforced, set accelerated and washout resistant. The putty is used to repair brick and masonry and to point stone, bricks and blocks above and below the waterline. The hardened compound is waterproof and resistant to chemical and seawater attack. The powder is ready to use, packaged in 25kg moisture proof, durable bags and has a shelf life of 5 years.SPECIAL PROPERTIES:
- Available in white, brilliant white and in a range of attractive colours.
- Quickly and easily mixed with water.
- Develops an excellent putty consistency for ease of application.
- Will not washout, disperse or break up underwater.
- Develops an early set to resist tidal flow, waves and splash action.
- Perfectly compatible with bricks, blocks, masonry, stone and concrete.
- High bond strength to brick, masonry, stone, steel and cementitious substrates
- Impermeable, weatherproof, waterproof and resistant to frost and chemical attack.
- Produces a smooth and attractive finish.
- High yielding, economical, non flammable, non toxic, odour free, user friendly and safe to use in underwater environments.
- To lay, point and repair bricks and blocks above and below the waterline.
- To fill and seal underwater voids and cavities in brick and concrete.
- Onshore, offshore and underwater repairs to concrete.
- To render brick and concrete surfaces underwater.
- The repair and protection of marine structures.
- To repair dams, reservoirs, tanks, tunnels, channels, culverts, sewers and pipes.
- For use as an underwater tile adhesive.
- For use in running water situations.
- As a clay for casting, moulding shapes, figures, sculpture and artifacts which develop strength.
ROCKBOND UNDERWATER PUTTY powder is mixed with water using a ROCKBOND CONCRETE STIRRER (RB CS), an electric power tool (1kW) and a ROCKBOND 25 LITRE MIXING CONTAINER (RB 25LMC). Only mix quantities of underwater putty that can be successfully applied in 15 minutes:
Pour a quantity of water into the container or mixer.
Slowly sprinkle the powder onto the water while mixing.
Continue to add and mix the powder until the required consistency is obtained.
After all the powder has been added, mix for 30 seconds.
Let the putty gel for a few minutes before use.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
All necessary preparatory work must be completed before the putty is mixed and placed. Ensure all surfaces with which the putty comes into contact with are clean, free of contamination and marine growth. In underwater locations mechanically abrade or use a water jet to produce a good and strong substrate on which to apply the material.
On weak, friable or porous substrates above the waterline, use ROCKBOND PRIMER LATEX (RB PL) to penetrate, consolidate, strengthen and seal the surface. With a brush or a soft broom, brush the latex completely and evenly over the surface. Work the latex well into the substrate. Let the latex dry out, usually 15 to 20 minutes depending on conditions.
To prime the substrate and to enhance the bond, apply a second coat of the latex to the first coat. Normally, 1 litre of the ROCKBOND PRIMER LATEX will treat 4m² of brickwork surface with a two coat application. If the Rockbond Primer Latex is not used, then wet and soak the substrate surface for a few minutes prior to mixing and pacing the putty.
Mix the putty powder with water and wait a few minutes for the material to gel, stiffen and develop a putty consistency. With the use of a gloved hand and fingers, form a contact coat: RUB the compound onto the surface and into any cracks or crevices, and completely coat the substrate with a thin layer of contact putty. RUB IT IN!
A contact coat applied properly will reduce voids at the bondline, and promote intimate contact between the putty and the substrate (100% contact is 100% bond). A contact coat will also prevent peeling and slumping on vertical and soffit substrates. On top of the contact coat, build up the material to the profile of the surrounding brick or concrete. Should the putty develop a hard plastic consistency with time, then the material can be re-worked in the hand or re-agitated in the mixer to effect a good putty consistency for application.
For ease of working and application of the putty, and to remove stickiness, keep gloves and implements wet. Use a hand held water spray to wet putty surfaces and produce a smooth and attractive finish.
In above water situations, once the material is in place and has gained sufficient strength, apply ROCKBOND CURE (RB C) at the rate of 10m²/litre. During adverse curing conditions, repeat the procedure.
TECHNICAL DATA:
TYPICAL DATA at 24% water/powder ratio at 20ºC
CONSISTENCY: Good mortar consistency
CONSISTENCY LIFE: 20 minutes
DENSITY: 2000kg/m³
MINIMUM COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH:
1 7 28 Days
8 15 25 MPa
YIELD: 25kg of powder yields 13.75 litres of Underwater Putty
1m³ of Underwater Putty requires 1.825 tonnes of powder.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND STORAGE:
ROCKBOND UNDERWATER PUTTY powder is non toxic and safe to use. However, use the same precautions as with any cementitious product: wear goggles, protective clothing and a dust mask while mixing and applying the material. Consult the relevant MSDS for further details. Store in a cool, dry,
dark place.