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How to Estimate the Cost of Lead Abatement by Abrasive Blast Cleaning and Painting of Complex Industrial Structures

Table of Contents

Section 1 Introduction Page 3 Section 2 Type and Methods of Measurements Page 4 Section 3 Unique Project Characteristics that Effect Pricing and Take-off Page 6 Section 4 Project Costs and Mark-up Approach Page 11 Section 5 Special Risk Considerations Page 13 Section 6 Ratios and Estimate Analysis Page 14 Section 7 Miscellaneous Pertinent Information Page 14 Section 8 Structure Framing Plan Page 16 Section 9 Structure Take-off and Estimate Page 17 Section 10

Terminology Page 24

Section 11

References Page 25

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Section 1 – Introduction

The objective of this technical paper is to provide estimators with a general understanding of the

many elements and complexities involved with the containment, lead abatement, and painting of complex

steel structures such as bridges.

In 2002, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released a report on a 2-year study

that estimated the annual cost of corrosion in the United States was approximately $276 billion dollars.

Steel structures, such as bridges, are abrasive blasted to replace failing and aging protective coatings.

Most importantly, the structures are repainted after the surface preparation with high performance

protective coatings that, if properly applied, will protect the structure from corrosion. Preventative

maintenance is critical to protecting and maintaining our nation’s assets and infrastructure from corrosion.

Corrosion is a natural electrochemical process that occurs when a corrosion cell is formed on the

steel. A corrosion cell is comprised of an anode, cathode, electrolyte, and metallic pathway—corrosion

cannot occur without all four elements. Modes of protection from corrosion by protective coatings

include: barrier (impedes the ingress of oxygen, water, and soluble salts), inhibitive (slows down the

reaction at the anode, cathode, or both), or sacrificial (provides cathodic protection).

The infamous lead based protective coatings were excellent at reducing the development of

corrosion by acting both as a barrier, protecting the steel from environmental conditions, and by inhibiting

the reaction at the anode and/or cathode. On the other hand, it was later shown that lead based coatings

had a harmful effect on human health and the environment. Consequently, lead-based protective coatings

are now removed by abrasive blasting and replaced with protective coatings that provide comparable

performance without the risks.

MAIN CSI DIVISION

Division 9 – Finishes

MAIN CSI SUBDIVISION

Subdivision 09900 – Paints and Coatings

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this paper is to provide estimators with the information required to systematically

produce a detailed bridge painting estimate for competitive bidding purposes. The structure presented for

containment, abrasive blasting, and painting is a simple two-span overpass over a quiet suburban road. It

is assumed that the structure has the necessary vertical clearance required to install a rigid work platform

over the active travel lanes. The platform will function as part of the containment system. The structure

parapet wall is concrete, and the railing is galvanized steel. These bridge members are not included in the

scope of work. Additionally, adequate staging for materials and equipment is available adjacent to the

structure. The project is a public Federal-Aid project subject to general wage determinations issued under

the Davis-Bacon Act. The estimate will be prepared assuming all work will be completed without the use

of subcontractors. All work will be performed by bridge painters and support personnel (tenders).

Section 2 – Types and Methods of Measurements

As with many different types of construction estimates, the quantity take-off is one of the most

critical junctures in producing an accurate industrial painting estimate. All of the permanent materials

required for the project will be derived directly from the steel surface area take-off. The temporary

containment materials will be quantified from the work platform area beneath the structure (fascia girder

to fascia girder—abutment to abutment). This section will focus on the various types and measurement

approaches for the two major functions of the work.

Constructing access to the steel and erecting the containment system to contain the hazardous

dust created by the abrasive blasting and overspray from the painting is critical. Moreover, the quality of

the access directly correlates to the production of the abrasive blasting, abrasive recovery (vacuuming),

and painting. The components of the containment system can be flexible, rigged, or a combination of

both.

The containment platform, which will suspend below the bottom flange of the structure, is

constructed by a combination of materials. Heavy-duty termination plates (EA) are anchored to the

bridge abutments; then main termination cables (LF) are stretched and tensioned from plate to plate and

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secured by shackles (EA) . Vertical cable chokers (LF) are then suspended from bridge members, such

as diaphragms or beam flanges, and are attached to the main termination cable via shackles (EA) to

prevent the deck from deflecting. The rigid floor, typically a galvanized corrugated steel deck (SQ FT),

is positioned perpendicularly on the cables to inherently create the work platform. The estimator must

account for the additional deck materials required as a result of the deck sheet overlap. The deck overlap

will be a minimum required figure defined by the design engineer. Light duty steel plates (EA) are

anchored to the bridge parapet wall to secure the cantilevered deck sections. Vertical choker cables (LF)

are attached from the parapet wall plates to the outside main termination cables with shackles (EA) .

The structure can be sealed (contained) once the corrugate metal deck is installed and the vertical

chokers positioned and adjusted per the approved design. Lumber (2x4), which is included under the

containment expendables (SQ FT) , is anchored lengthwise along the parapet wall bottom edge and the

rigid work platform edge. Fire retardant tarpaulins (SQ FT) are draped and fastened from the bridge

parapet wall lumber to the platform edge lumber to enclose the containment outside walls. Other

containment expendables (SQ FT) including plywood, spray foam, fasteners, and caulk are used to close

seams and small openings to ensure dust and paint overspray do not escape the containment during the

blasting and painting operations.

Platform load requirements will be typically defined in the specification. Load requirements will

vary depending on the work to be performed. 25 PSF (lbs/ft2) is a common value specified; however, 50

PSF (lbs/ft2) or more can be specified if concrete or steel repairs are required in the contract. The

estimator must consult the design engineer for cable, shackle and plate size requirements, and for the

spacing of the components. The spacing and deck component sizes directly correlates to the deck load

capacity.

The costs for the abrasive blasting and painting of the structural steel are derived by applying

production rates to the area of the steel (SQ FT) . Many painting contracts also require the application of

a waterproof membrane to the horizontal and vertical faces of concrete abutment walls and bridge pier

seats after coating the steel. The concrete surfaces are effectively roughened by lightly brush-off blasting

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to achieve a laitance and contaminant-free surface prior to applying a two-component, moisture tolerant,

100% solid epoxy coating. The concrete surface preparation is completed within the containment after the

steel surface preparation operations. The surface preparation and coating of the concrete is measured by

(SQ FT) . Lastly, a high performance one-part elastomeric sealant/adhesive is caulked and tooled around

the bridge bearing perimeter (LF) and the bearings are lubricated.

Section 3 – Unique Project Characteristics that Effect Pricing and Take-off

SMALL V. LARGE QUANTITIES

Basic economic theory establishes that larger projects will have an effect on pricing due to the

reduction in unit cost as a result of production efficiency and material pricing power—this is also known

as economies of scale. Fundamentally, the rigging and containment crew will be able to install the

containments and work platforms faster once they have completed several similar spans. Additionally, the

abrasive blasting and painting crew will steadily improve production as they become accustomed to the

structure and develop a ‘rhythm’. Likewise, the estimator will be able to negotiate lower materials costs

and favorable credit terms due to the larger volume of materials required.

Alternatively, depending on the scope of work (containment requirements, level of cleanliness,

and coating system specified) the mobilization and containment setup costs can surpass the cost of

cleaning and painting smaller bridge structures. This is due to the considerable labor, material, and

equipment expense associated with mobilizing and installing the containments and preparing for the

abrasive blasting operations. The estimator along with management must consider this when reviewing

and selecting prospective projects, and either adjust cost and OH&P margins accordingly, or forgo

bidding altogether if financial objectives cannot be realized without considerable risk.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

Geographic location will certainly play a role in producing estimates when considering the costs.

A skilled workforce and labor rates can vary greatly from region to region. The estimator must account

for the living and travel expenses if a select crew is to travel to and live near the prospective project.

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The atmospheric environmental conditions at the geographic location of the structure must also

be taken into consideration. Structures adjacent to salt water sources and/or industrialized areas require

special attention. Acid rain, chemicals from manufacturing plants, and chlorides in coastal areas all

increase corrosion rates. The estimator must account for the additional time required to clean soluble

contaminants, such as chlorides, nitrates, and sulfates. Contaminants must be below the project and/or

manufacturer’s specified limits before abrasive blasting and painting. Contaminants can become

embedded or spread widely across the steel if they are not removed prior to abrasive blasting. Painting

over a contaminated surface may result in coating defects such as osmotic blistering. Contaminants must

be removed from the steel surface by solvent cleaning as defined by SSPC SP 1.

The climate in the project region should also be considered. The northeast may have a drier

climate, but containments may require heat in the winter to ensure the applied coating will cure. The

southeast climate is moist and may require dehumidification/refrigeration systems in the summer to

prevent flash rusting of newly blasted steel and to ensure coatings cure appropriately. These engineered

environmental control systems have high initial and operating costs.

Estimators must also pay close attention to the coating material and coating application

requirements. Some states, such as California, have low coating volatile organic compound (VOC)

requirements. Conventional methods of coating application, such as airless spray, may not be permitted.

Alternative spray methods, such as high-volume low pressure (HVLP) or plural component spray

systems, may be required to comply with VOC and transfer efficiency requirements. Coating application

production rates may differ greatly and must be considered when preparing the estimate.

SEASONAL EFFECT ON WORK

For the most part, the painting season is marked by the beginning of spring and ends the

beginning of winter. However, contractors can utilize heat or a combination of dehumidification and

refrigeration to extend the winter or summer (humid) seasons, respectively. High performance protective

coatings have very specific application guidelines that must be strictly adhered to. The coating type and

cure mechanism will dictate the surface preparation and application requirements.

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AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION

Many times the bid package does not include the bridge working drawings. At minimum, the

estimator will require the bridge framing plans to complete an accurate quantity take-off of the steel area.

The estimator must obtain these drawings from the owner. More importantly, the estimator must confirm

that the acquired drawings he or she has been given represent the existing conditions. At times, the

drawings provided by the owner are for a structure that was widened or reinforced many years after its

completion. The estimator must verify all structure working drawings for completeness and accuracy to

avoid errors in the quantity take-off that will translate into fatal errors in the bid.

SPECIAL FACTORS

The estimator must be available the day of the project walk-through and should have a camera

handy. Experienced estimators will be able to recognize potential problems that can result in

unanticipated costs during the lifespan of the project. Ambiguities in the contract and/or specification and

differing site conditions should be identified by the estimator. The findings must be formally presented in

writing to the owner for clarification via a written addendum. Major items that must be addressed include,

but are not limited to:

Level of cleanliness: The specification will indicate the level of abrasive blast cleanliness

required. The highest achievable level of cleanliness is an SSPC-SP 5/NACE No. 1 (white metal

blast cleaning). The steel must be free of all existing coatings, mill scale, oxides, corrosion

products, and other foreign matter. Bridge painting contracts that necessitate the complete

removal of the existing coating by abrasive blasting will more than likely specify an SSPC-SP

10/NACE No. 2 (near-white metal blast cleaning). This level of cleanliness is similar to the

SSPC-SP 5/NACE No. 1, but random staining from the previous coating, mill scale, and other

corrosion products on the steel is limited to 5.00 percent each 9.00 square inches. The difference

in production on the above two levels of cleanliness can be as much as 20% percent or more

depending on the existing condition of the steel and the adhesion of the coating to be removed.

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If not already specified, choosing the correct abrasive is critical. Five parameters that will

determine the performance of an abrasive are: shape, hardness, density, size, and velocity.

Abrasive selection will typically be dictated by environmental constraints, degree of cleanliness

required, and the coating system surface profile requirements. The performance of the abrasive is

directly correlated to the abrasive blast production—the most costly function of a coating project.

Cleaning and painting of drainage troughs and downspouts: Often drainage troughs and

downspouts are packed with dirt and debris. The estimator must account for the time a small crew

will require to remove and dispose of the debris. At the conclusion of the project the contractor

may be required to demonstrate to the Engineer that the system is free and clear of debris from

the construction activities.

Pack rust is a form of localized corrosion that must be removed from gaps and crevices prior to

abrasive blasting. Pack rust is removed by hand and/or power tools and can be a time and labor

intensive process.

Degreasing: Grease and cutting oils must be removed from the structure before abrasive blasting

by solvent or steam cleaning. If oil or/and grease is not removed prior to abrasive blasting, the

contaminants can be spread widely over the entire work surface and contaminate the abrasive.

Steel surface imperfections, such as sharp fins, sharp edges, and weld splatter must be ground

smooth before abrasive blasting and painting. Breaks or discontinuities in the coating film, known

as holidays, can occur if the applicator does not have a uniform surface to apply to. Moisture can

penetrate through a coating holiday to the steel and can create a corrosion cell. 

Utilities such as water pipes, gas pipes, electrical conduits, and fiber optics must be protected

before abrasive blasting. Conduit and pipe continuing outside of the containment structure can

make it difficult to create a complete seal of the containment. Also, these members will require

additional time for the application of the stripe coat to bolts, rivets, and edges. 

The availability of adequate staging for the blasting and painting equipment is imperative.  

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Hard level ground will be required for the placement of the heavy machinery and the storage of

the hazardous materials. The estimator may need to address the need for leased property adjacent

to the structure for the period of time it will take to complete the work. 

Sometimes it is not possible to install a rigid containment system below the structure due to

vertical clearance restrictions. Production will suffer if the containment system must be installed

and dismantled on a daily basis. Consult the project plans for vertical clearance restrictions. 

Many projects require a stripe coat on edges, crevices, bolts, and rivets. Often these locations are

the weakest link for the coating system and a major source of coating holidays. The estimator

must inspect the structure and ensure the cost to complete this work is accounted for in the

estimate. 

The project work location must be surveyed, and the proximity to sensitive locations, such as

schools and parks, identified. Additional environmental protection and air monitoring may be

required to comply with project, state, and federal requirements, such as 40 CFR 60, App. A

Method 22 (Visual Determination of Fugitive Emissions from Material Sources and Smoke

Emissions from Fires). 

Not all existing protective coatings are identical. A long-standing, weathered coating that is brittle

and peeling will be much easier to remove than a more recently applied well adhering coating.

Blast production rates must be adjusted accordingly after inspecting the structure and existing

coating. 

Work over navigable waterways must be approved by the United States Coast Guard. The

estimator must know the vertical clearance restrictions, any black-out dates during holidays, and

other project requirements to be in compliance with the USCG. The United States Coast Guard

Bridge Administration Manual COMDTINST M16590.5C should be reviewed thoroughly for

construction requirements, such as permits, minimum lighting requirements, and signage that may

be required.  

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Additional costs for flagmen services and railroad protective liability insurance must be added to

the estimate when working over railroads. Also, many times the work hours are stipulated and

vertical clearance requirements defined. The estimator must consider these requirements when

preparing the estimate. 

Abrasive blasting and painting production will be limited to the local roadway and highway lane

closure work hours. Lane closure hours and work restrictions must be reviewed thoroughly when

preparing the estimate. 

The estimator must identify bridge box girders and bridge interior cells that are within the scope

of work. These locations are considered confined spaces and have unique safety, containment,

ventilation, and access requirements. 

A maintenance warranty inspection may be required after a specified period of time. A crew must

be priced into the estimate along with equipment, small tools, and materials to complete the

warranty inspection. Further, any coating defects found during the warranty inspection will

require access and repair to the satisfaction of the Engineer. 

Responsibility for Hazardous Waste: The estimator must read the specification thoroughly and

identify if the contractor will be considered a co-generator of the hazardous waste under the

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). 

Contractors must take care when working adjacent to galvanized steel. The ricochet from the

abrasive blasting can damage the galvanized coating on steel members such as stay-in-place

forms, rails, and special structural members. Metalizing in the field is difficult and very costly.

The estimator must be aware of special protection requirements. 

Section 4 – Project Costs and Mark-up Approach

The estimator must have an exhaustive understanding of the work and must be able to identify

potential pitfalls before they materialize. With this knowledge the estimator will be able to compile the

project costs carefully and accurately. Abrasive blast and painting production rates from previously

completed contracts must be maintained in a well-organized manner to reference in the future. Also, a

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good habit when preparing a new estimate is to review the scope of work thoroughly with crew foremen

and visit the structure to discuss the project requirements. Previous project production rates can then be

adjusted and applied to the new work accordingly.

The project costs can be divided into three major activities: (1) support, (2) rigging/containment,

(3) abrasive blasting and painting. The included sample estimate will divide the major costs—labor,

materials and equipment—per these three major activities. Prevailing wages rates and fringe benefits on

public work projects are based on collective bargaining agreements established for the trade in the given

region where the work is to be performed.

The support crew is responsible for mobilizing equipment, preparing blast lines, air hoses,

recovering (vacuuming) abrasive media, handling materials and handling the traffic control. The crew

size will vary depending on the size of the project. A common practice is to assign 1 tender to every 2

blasters during the abrasive blasting operations to ensure the abrasive media is being recovered and to

prevent exceeding the containment deck loads.

The rigging/containment crew specializes in the installation and dismantling of the rigging

and containments. On-highway work can include the installation and removal of bulkheads to partition

work lane containments from travel non-work lanes. Off-highway work can include the installation and

removal of simple or complex work platforms and containments. Work platforms can be as small as 5,000

ft2 or as large as 500,000 ft2. The crew size and equipment requirements will vary depending on factors

such as: on-highway work, off-highway work, size and complexity of the containment/work platform,

working over water, project size, and schedule.

A common abrasive blasting and painting crew setup consists of 6 blasters, 1 machine

operator (foreman), and 1 or more supporting the foreman depending on the size of the project and

schedule. The equipment and operating expenses required come at a substantial expense. If utilizing

recycled abrasives, such as steel grit, the operation will require an abrasive blast and recovery unit, up to

two 1,600 CFM compressors per blast unit, a dust collector ranging from 15-60,000CFM or more

depending on the containment size, and material handling equipment.

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The major materials for the project will include the rigging, containment, and the paint materials.

At minimum, the estimator will need the structure framing plan and all applicable details to complete an

area take-off. From the framing plan, the estimator can easily quantify the area of the platform by

multiplying the length by the width. It is important to take into account irregular areas that may require

additional materials to seal the structure. Paint materials are measured through simple calculations as

described in Section 9.

Management will review the current backlog and apply a reasonable margin for markup once all

direct and indirect costs have been estimated. The complexity of a given prospective project will

necessitate a higher markup due to the inherent risks. Conversely, routine projects will have more

competitive markup rates applied.

Section 5 – Special Risk Considerations

Many special risk considerations must be accounted for when preparing an estimate including

access, health and safety, weather, contract time, quality control, pollution control, and escalation. For

example:

Installing the containment work platform to access the steel is critical. Well-designed access will

provide better production and better quality work. Inventive containment systems may be

required to overcome access/containment difficulties, and may come at a considerable expense.  

Bridge painting is an inherently dangerous business. General and lead health and safety personal

protective equipment must be in place. The estimator must account for the cost required to be in

compliance with Federal Regulations, such as 29 CFR 1926 (Occupational Safety and Health

Regulations for Construction) and 29 CFR 1910 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards). 

Weather is a major concern on painting contracts. High performance coatings have strict

application conditions that must be adhered to. Furthermore, many specifications require the

contractor to dismantle containment walls when winds exceed a certain velocity. The estimator

should add an incidental cost for dismantling containment walls during storms or high winds if

the structure is in a storm prone area. 

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Contracts that fall behind schedule can become subject to substantial liquidated damages.

Liquidated damages should be included in the costs if the estimator believes the contract time

frame is unreasonable. 

A solid quality control system and excellent quality control personnel will ensure the coatings are

applied per the manufacturer’s recommendations. The cost of repairing a failed coating system

can be more than the original cost of applying the coating system initially.  

Abrasive blasting operations produce lead dust and other hazardous heavy metals from the

original coating and the steel. Engineered pollution control systems must be in place and

constantly monitored and maintained to ensure good working order. 

Projects that extend into multiple seasons can have exposure to cost escalations. Labor, paint

materials, steel, and fuel are all subject to cost escalations. It is especially important for the

estimator to request an explanation of the escalation expenses from the paint manufacturer.

Typically, a manufacturer will apply a markup that is percentage based on indices such as the US

Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) or the London Metal Exchange (LME). Most importantly,

labor escalation should be applied if a project is expected to extend into multiple years. 

Section 6 – Ratios and Estimate Analysis

Every bridge painting contract is unique. Square foot prices fluctuate depending on the

complexity of the work, geographic region, and the competitive environment. After compiling the costs,

the estimator should review the estimate thoroughly for errors and completeness. The estimator can then

review previous comparable contracts to check for consistency on the containment cost per square foot

and blasting and painting cost per square foot figures. Every project is unique; however, the estimator can

assess current estimates for accuracy against previous completed projects after adjusting labor rates,

production rates, material costs, and equipment costs. Generally, the new project containment, surface

preparation, and painting figures should be in-line with prior comparable projects.

Section 7 – Miscellaneous Pertinent Information

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The estimator must be aware that many state transportation authorities have a prerequisite that the

bidder be a certified SSPC QP 1 (Field Application to Complex Industrial Structures) and SSPC QP 2

(Field Removal of Hazardous Coatings) contractor. These qualifications are awarded by the Society for

Protective Coatings (SSPC) to industrial and marine painting contractors that have demonstrated the

technical capability to perform the work, competency to manage the work safely, and ability to comply

with environmental laws and regulations. Contractors must adhere to the program requirements to be in

compliance with the SSPC, and to maintain the certifications. This includes, but is not limited to, a

Project Manager, a Health and Safety Officer, a Coating Application Specialist (CAS), and a Quality

Control Technician on each-job site.

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Section 8 – Bridge Structure Framing Plan

FIGURE 1: SIMPLE 2-SPAN STRUCTURE

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Section 9 – Sample Take-off and Estimate

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ASSUMPTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS:

Being able to accurately estimate the volume of paint required for a project is critical for an

estimator. This section will identify the major variables that must be accounted for to prevent potential

financial consequences. The most important figure to understand is the percent volume solids (%V.S) of a

coating. Often, inexperienced estimators do not take into account the percent volume solids of a coating.

This figure is provided by the coating manufacturer in the Product Data Sheets. The percent volume

solids of a coating is the ratio of nonvolatile content (solids) in relation the volatile content (wet). The

nonvolatile content (solids) portion of the coating will remain after the coating has cured. For example,

2.72 mils (DFT) dry film thickness will remain after a 68% volume solids coating is applied at 4.00 mils

(WFT) wet film thickness after it has cured. It is very important to understand percent volume solids

when selecting a coating system for a project. The coatings that are the least expensive (unit price per

gallon) may not necessarily be the least expensive overall. The example below shows how the percent

volume solids influences the overall cost of a coating system. Coating System No. 1 appears to be the

most expensive on a unit cost per gallon basis. However, Coat System No. 1 is actually the most budget

friendly after taking into consideration the percent volume solids. It is important to note, however, that the

selection of a coating system is not necessarily dictated by the price. Product technical support, material

delivery lead time, overall comfort with the product, performance track record, application variables, and

quality all are taken into account when selecting a coating system.

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QUANTIFYING MATERIAL LOSS

(a) Surface Profile: The anchor or surface profile is produced when the (1) steel is abrasive

blasted with a sharp (angular) media, such as steel grit. The steel becomes (2) textured, which will

provide the adhesion properties for the (3) prime coat. The surface area of the steel increases, thus the

estimator must account for the additional required paint material.

FIGURE 5: STEEL SURFACE PROFILE

(b) Loss due to Paint Application: The estimator must account for loss from the paint

application activities. For example, paint lost from a dripping brush or roller or paint lost during the spray

application. Simple configurations, such as floor beam, stringer, and diaphragm structures will have a

lower loss rate due to the simple flat surfaces. Complex steel configurations, such as stiffeners, riveted

steel or open lattice work, will have greater loss rates.

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(c) Loss due to Paint Distribution: No painter can provide a perfectly uniform paint

thickness across the steel surface. Dry film thickness (DFT) will vary from area to area due to technique

and fatigue. Additional paint may be required to achieve the minimum specified dry film thickness in low

film thickness areas. The estimator must account for the loss due to the additional required paint

distribution across the steel surface.

(d) Loss due to Paint Wastage: Paint wastage is one of the largest factors an estimator must

account for. This is paint not utilized, such as paint mixed but not applied, paint flushed from spray lines

at the end of the work day, and paint not applied that has exceed the manufacturer’s pot life.

STEEL MATERIALS REQUIRED TO CONSTRUCTION CONTAINMENT PLATFORM

The estimator must have experience quantifying the material requirements for a rigid access

platform. Experience is gained reviewing previous containment plans that were designed by qualified

engineers. The estimator can use containment plans previously submitted and approved if the containment

is similar. A schedule of materials required was prepared to coincide with the sample containment

platform.

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FIGURE 7: TYPICAL CONTAINMENT COMPONENTS INSTALLED ON A

STRUCTURE

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Section 10 – Terminology

Davis-Bacon Act of 1931 A United States federal law which established the requirement for paying prevailing wages on public works projects.

Holiday A coating “holiday” is a skip, discontinuity or missed area on the

structure. Laitance A weak layer of cement and aggregate fines on a concrete surface that is

usually caused by an over wet or over worked mixture. Mils A unit of measurement equal to one thousandth of an inch. 1 mil is

equal to 25.4 micron. Pack Rust A form of localized corrosion that typically affects joints, crevices, and

back-to-back steel members. SSPC The Society for Protective Coatings SSPC Class 1A Containment

The highest containment class for emission control of abrasive blasting operations specified in the SSPC Technology Guide No. 6.

SSPC SP 1 SSPC standard for solvent cleaning of steel surfaces. SSPC QP 1 The SSPC QP 1 is a certification procedure that evaluates the

qualifications of industrial field painting contractors. It is a commonly specified requirement for owners of complex industrial structures.

SSPC QP 2 The SSPC QP 2 is a certification procedure that evaluates the

qualifications of industrial field painting contractors to remove hazardous coatings. It is a commonly specified requirement for owners of complex industrial structures.

NACE National Association of Corrosion Engineers

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Section 11 – References

US Federal Highway Administration, Corrosion Costs and Preventive Strategies in the United States,

Report FHWA RD-01-156