Guide Specification For Coating Systems

AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration
S 8.1 - 2002
Guide Specification for Coating Systems with
Inorganic Zinc-Rich Primer
AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge Collaboration
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Preface

This document is a standard developed by the AASHTO/NSBA Steel Bridge. The primary goal
of the Collaboration is to achieve steel bridges of the highest quality and value through
standardization of the design, fabrication, and erection processes. Each standard represents the
consensus of a diverse group of professionals.
As consensus documents, the Collaboration standards represent the best available current
approach to the processes they cover. It is intended that Owners adopt and implement
Collaboration standards in their entirety to facilitate the achievement of standardization, but it is
understood that local statutes or preferences may prevent full adoption of the document. In such
cases, Owners should adopt these documents with the exceptions they feel are necessary.
This document establishes and defines the functions, operations, requirements, and activities
needed to achieve consistent quality in steel bridge painting. It is based on a cooperative
approach to achieving quality, where both the Owners and Contractors Inspectors work
together with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, resulting in steel bridges
completed in an efficient manner and meeting all contractual requirements.
Disclaimer

All data, specifications, suggested practices presented herein, are based on the best available
information and delineated in accordance with recognized professional engineering
principles and practices, and are published for general information only. Procedures and
products, suggested or discussed, should not be used without first securing competent advice
respecting their suitability for any given application.

Publication of the material herein is not to be construed as a warranty on the part of the
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) or the
National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) - or that of any person named herein - that these data
and suggested practices are suitable for any general or particular use, or of freedom from
infringement on any patent or patents. Further, any use of these data or suggested practices
can only be made with the understanding that neither AASHTO nor NSBA makes any
warranty of any kind respecting such use and the user assumes all liability arising therefrom.

AASHTO Document No: SBCS-1
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
20012002

Voting Members

Officers:
President: James C. Codell III, Kentucky
Vice President: Tom Stephens, Nevada
Secretary-Treasurer: Larry King, Pennsylvania

Regional Representatives:
REGION I: Carol Murray, New Hampshire, One-Year Term
Patricia McDonald, Vermont, Two-Year Term

REGION II: Fred Van Kirk, West Virginia, One-Year Term
Whitting Clement, Virginia, Two-Year Term

REGION III: Henry Hungerbeeler, Missouri, One-Year Term
Mark Wandro, Iowa, Two-Year Term

REGION IV: Mike Behrens, Texas, One-Year Term
Sleeter Dover, Wyoming, Two-Year Term

Non-Voting Members

Immediate Past President: Dan Flowers, Arkansas
AASHTO Executive Director: John Horsley, Washington, D.C.

i
HIGHWAY SUBCOMMITTEE ON BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES
2002

Tom Lulay, Oregon, Chairman
Sandra Larson, Vice Chairman
James D. Cooper, Federal Highway Administration, Secretary

ALABAMA, William F. Conway, George H. Connor
ALASKA, Richard A. Pratt
ARIZONA, F. Daniel Davis
ARKANSAS, Phil Brand
CALIFORNIA, Richard Land
COLORADO, Mark A. Leonard
CONNECTICUT, Gordon Barton
DELAWARE, Doug Finney, Dennis OShea
D.C., Donald Cooney
FLORIDA, William N. Nickas
GEORGIA, Paul Liles, Brian Summers
HAWAII, Paul Santo
IDAHO, Matthew M. Farrar
ILLINOIS, Ralph E. Anderson
INDIANA, Mary Jo Hamman
IOWA, Norman L. McDonald
KANSAS, Kenneth F. Hurst, Loren R. Risch
KENTUCKY, Stephen E. Goodpaster
LOUISIANA, Hossein Ghara, Mark J. Morvant
MAINE, James E. Tukey
MARYLAND, Earle S. Freedman
MASSACHUSETTS, Alexander K. Bardow
MICHIGAN, Steve Beck
MINNESOTA, Dan Dorgan, Kevin Western
MISSISSIPPI, Harry Lee James
MISSOURI, Shyam Gupta
MONTANA, William S. Fullerton
NEBRASKA, Lyman D. Freemon
NEVADA, William C. Crawford, Jr.
NEW HAMPSHIRE, Mark Richardson
NEW JERSEY, Harry A. Capers, Jr.,
Richard W. Dunne
NEW MEXICO, Jimmy D. Camp
NEW YORK, James O'Connell, George A. Christian
NORTH CAROLINA, Gregory R. Perfettie
NORTH DAKOTA, Terry Udland
OHIO, Timothy Keller
OKLAHOMA, Robert J. Rusch, Veldo Goins
OREGON, Mark E. Hirota
PENNSYLVANIA, R. Scott Christie
PUERTO RICO, Jamie Cabre
RHODE ISLAND, Kazem Farhoumand
SOUTH CAROLINA, Randy R. Cannon, Jeff Sizemore
SOUTH DAKOTA, John Cole
TENNESSEE, Ed Wasserman
TEXAS, Mary Lou Ralls
U.S. DOT, Nick E. Mpras
UTAH, David Nazare
VERMONT, James McCarthy
VIRGINIA, Malcolm T. Kerley
WASHINGTON, Jerry Weigel, Tony M. Allen
WEST VIRGINIA, James Sothen
WISCONSIN, Stanley W. Woods
WYOMING, Gregg C. Fredrick, Keith R. Fulton
ALBERTA, Dilip K. Dasmohapatra, Bob Ramsey
MANITOBA, Ismail Elkholy
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS,
John C. Pangalinan
NEW BRUNSWICK, David Cogswell
NORTHAMPTON, R. T. Hughes
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, John Bower
NOVA SCOTIA, Alan MacRae, Mark Pert
ONTARIO, Vacant
SASKATCHEWAN, Herv Bachelu
MASS. METRO. DIST. COMM., David Lenhardt
N.J. TURNPIKE AUTHORITY, Richard Raczynski
N.Y. STATE BRIDGE AUTHORITY,
William Moreau
PORT AUTHORITY OF N.Y. AND N.J.,
Joseph J. Kelly, Joseph Zitelli
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, Wade Casey
MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
COMMAND, Robert D. Franz
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS-
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY,
Paul C. T. Tan
U.S. COAST GUARD, Jacob Patnaik
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-
FOREST SERVICE, Nelson Hernandez
ii
Guide Specification for Coatings with Inorganic Zinc Rich Primer
Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1
Section 1: Definitions...................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Applicator (Shop) ............................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Best Effort ........................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Breaking the Corner (Corner Chamfering) ......................................................................... 2
1.4 Checking.............................................................................................................................. 2
1.5 Conformance Certification.................................................................................................. 2
1.6 Corner.................................................................................................................................. 2
1.7 Edge..................................................................................................................................... 2
1.8 Edge Grinding (Edge Conditioning) ................................................................................... 2
1.9 Fastener ............................................................................................................................... 2
1.10 Flats ..................................................................................................................................... 2
1.11 Hackles, Fins, Scabs, Etc. ................................................................................................... 2
1.12 Inaccessible Areas............................................................................................................... 3
1.13 Mist Coat ............................................................................................................................. 3
1.14 Mudcracking ....................................................................................................................... 3
1.15 Sharp.................................................................................................................................... 3
1.16 Snipe.................................................................................................................................... 3
1.17 Spot Prime Coat .................................................................................................................. 3
1.18 Stripe Coat........................................................................................................................... 3
1.19 Visible Coating Defects ...................................................................................................... 3
1.20 Visual Coverage .................................................................................................................. 3
1.21 Weld Spatter, Tight ............................................................................................................. 3
Section 2: Reference Standards....................................................................................................... 4
2.1 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) .......... 4
2.2 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)........................................................ 4
2.3 The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) ...................................................................... 4
2.4 Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC)........................................................ 5
2.5 American Institute for Steel Construction (AISC).............................................................. 5
2.6 Related Reference Documents ............................................................................................ 5
Section 3: General ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Qualification........................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Quality Control.................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Written Procedures.............................................................................................................. 6
3.4 Miscellaneous...................................................................................................................... 6
3.5 Protective Coating System.................................................................................................. 6
3.6 Coating Repairs................................................................................................................... 7
3.7 Paint Storage ....................................................................................................................... 7
3.8 Steel Storage After Painting................................................................................................ 7
3.9 Final Acceptance................................................................................................................. 7
iii

Section 4: Material Acceptance ...................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Paint..................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Abrasive Media Condition .................................................................................................. 8
Section 5: Surface Preparation........................................................................................................ 9
5.1 Material Anomalies............................................................................................................. 9
5.2 Pre-Cleaning........................................................................................................................ 9
5.3 Abrasive Blast Cleaning...................................................................................................... 9
5.4 Assessing Conformance with Blast Cleaning Standards .................................................... 9
5.5 Bolts (Fasteners).................................................................................................................. 9
5.6 Summary ........................................................................................................................... 10
Section 6: Paint Application.......................................................................................................... 11
6.1 General .............................................................................................................................. 11
6.2 Prime Coat......................................................................................................................... 11
6.3 Intermediate and Topcoat.................................................................................................. 11
Commentary.................................................................................................................................. 16
Appendix 1.................................................................................................................................... 18
iv
Introduction

To simplify the application parameters for a system based on an inorganic AASHTO M 300 or
similar zinc-rich primer on new steel bridges, a series of charts have been developed. These
charts provide a convenient summary listing the detailed requirements for surface preparation,
environmental conditions, coating application, curing, and verification testing.
This specification is intended for previously uncoated steel and includes the proper preparation
of the steel surfaces and the application, drying, and cure of coatings. This specification covers
three coating systems as described in the following table.

System Identification
Primer Intermediate Topcoat
System 1 Shop Shop Shop
System 2 Shop Shop Field
System 3 Shop Field Field

1

Section 1
Definitions
1.1 Applicator (Shop)
A fabricator, paint contractor, or other entity which prepares the surfaces and applies the
coatings.
1.2 Best Effort
Actions expected of a reasonably knowledgeable person to properly perform an activity.
1.3 Breaking the Corner (Corner Chamfering)
A process by which a sharp corner is flattened by passing a grinder or other suitable device
along the corner, normally in a single pass.
1.4 Checking
Small cracks in the coating, extending only partially through the dry film.
1.5 Conformance Certification
A verification issued by the coating manufacturer confirming that a particular batch of
product was produced in accordance with the manufacturers standard. This standard of
performance for the product must have previously been approved or accepted by the
Owner.
1.6 Corner
The intersection of two surfaces.
1.7 Edge
An exposed, through-thickness surface of a plate or rolled shape. This may be the as-rolled
side face of a beam flange, channel flange or angle leg, or may result from thermal cutting,
sawing, or shearing. Edges may be planar or rounded, and either perpendicular or skewed
to adjacent faces.
1.8 Edge Grinding (Edge Conditioning)
Very shallow grinding or other pre-blast cleaning preparation of thermal cut edges (TCEs)
to remove a thin, hardened layer left by resolidification. Does not include grinding required
by the D1.5 Bridge Welding Code or ASTM A 6 to remove cutting, handling or material
anomalies.
1.9 Fastener
A mechanical device used to attach two or more items together; e.g., a bolt, nut and
washer.
1.10 Flats
Flat faces of bolt heads and nuts. Bolt heads and nuts are normally hexagonal, each
containing six flat surfaces or flats.
1.11 Hackles, Fins, Scabs, Etc.
Hackles, fins, scabs, etc., are as-received defects in the steel surface. Usually, they affect
only a thin (less than 1/16" or 2 mm) layer. They are often apparent after blast cleaning
because the abrasive impact causes a loose edge to rise from the plane of the surface. They
may normally be removed by use of a grinder, sharp scraper or chisel. Sometimes gouging
is necessary for deep scabs.
2
1.12 Inaccessible Areas
Partially or completely enclosed surfaces, the majority of which are not visible without the
use of special devices such as mirrors.
1.13 Mist Coat
Also called a fog coat or tack coat. (a) A thin, mist-spray application of a coating to
improve adhesion and uniformity of the subsequent full application of the same coating.
(b) A light coat of unspecified DFT to temporarily inhibit corrosion (see Section 3.4.2).
1.14 Mudcracking
A surface condition characterized by cracks that extend into the body of the zinc-rich
primer. The appearance is that of a dried mud puddle.
1.15 Sharp
An acute corner or prominence that is able or appears to be able to cut human flesh.
1.16 Snipe
The clip removed at a corner to clear a weld or rolled fillet.
1.17 Spot Prime Coat
Application of primer paint to localized spots before priming where adequate coverage may
not otherwise be achieved, or after priming where either the substrate is not adequately
covered or where the prime coat is damaged.
1.18 Stripe Coat
An additional coat of paint applied to edges, outside corners, and areas difficult to coat by
spray, such as welds, before or after a full coat is applied to the surface. The stripe coat is
intended to give those areas the specified dry film thickness and coverage to resist
corrosion.
1.19 Visible Coating Defects
Imperfections that may be detected by the unaided eye. These include runs, sags, lifting,
chipping, cracking, spalling, flaking, mudcracking, pinholing, and checking.
1.20 Visual Coverage
Acceptable coating of inaccessible areas or surfaces inaccessible to manual spray painting
equipment and dry film thickness (DFT) gages. DFT requirements are waived; however,
surfaces may be inspected for visual coverage by the unaided eye, video monitoring or
inspection mirror.
1.21 Weld Spatter, Tight
Small weld metal droplets expelled during exposed-arc welding with adequate thermal
energy to adhere on base metal adjacent to the weld area. The droplets retain their
individual shape but have sufficient fusion to resist removal by hand scraping with a putty
knife, per SSPC-SP 2.
3

Section 2
Reference Standards
Unless otherwise noted in the contract, the latest edition of the following standards and
regulations in effect at the time of Contract letting form a part of this specification. A copy of
applicable reference standards shall be available at the painting facility.
2.1 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
2.1.1 AASHTO M 160, Standard Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Steel
Plates, Shapes, Steel Pilings, and Bars for Structural Use
2.1.2 AASHTO M 300, Standard Specification for Inorganic Zinc-Rich Primer
2.2 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
2.2.1 ASTM A 6, Specification for General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars,
Plates, Shapes, and Sheet Piling
2.2.2 ASTM D 3359, Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test
2.2.3 ASTM D 4138, Standard Test Method for Measurement of Dry Paint Thickness of
Protective Coating Systems by Destructive Means
2.2.4 ASTM D 4285, Standard Test Method for Indicating Oil or Water in Compressed
Air
2.2.5 ASTM D 4414, Standard Practice for Measurement of Wet Film Thickness by Notch
Gages
2.2.6 ASTM D 4417, Standard Test Methods for Field Measurement of Surface Profile of
Blast Cleaned Steel
2.2.7 ASTM D 4541, Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using
Portable Adhesion Testers
2.2.8 ASTM D 4752, Standard Test Method for Measuring MEK Resistance of Ethyl
Silicate Zinc-Rich Primers by Solvent Rub
2.3 The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC)
2.3.1 SSPC-AB 1, Mineral and Slag Abrasives
2.3.2 SSPC-AB 2, Cleanliness of Recycled Ferrous Metallic Abrasives
2.3.3 SSPC-AB 3, Newly Manufactured or Re-Manufactured Steel Abrasive
2.3.4 SSPC Guide 13, Guide for the Identification and Use of Industrial Coating Material
in Computerized Product Databases
2.3.5 SSPC-PA 1, Shop, Field, and Maintenance Painting of Steel
2.3.6 SSPC-PA 2, Measurement of Dry Film Thickness with Magnetic Gages
2.3.7 SSPC-QP 1, Standard Procedure for Evaluating Painting Contractors (Field
Application to Complex Industrial Structures)
2.3.8 SSPC-QP 3, Standard Procedure for Evaluating Qualifications of Shop Painting
Contractors
2.3.9 SSPC-SP 1, Solvent Cleaning
2.3.10 SSPC-SP 2, Hand Tool Cleaning
2.3.11 SSPC-SP 3, Power Tool Cleaning
2.3.12 SSPC-SP 10, Near-White Blast Cleaning
2.3.13 SSPC-SP 11, Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal
4
2.3.14 SSPC-SP 12, Surface Preparation and Cleaning of Steel and Other Hard Materials
by High- and Ultrahigh-Pressure Water Jetting Prior to Recoating
2.3.15 SSPC-SP COM, Surface Preparation and Abrasives Commentary, SSPC Painting
Manual, Volume 2, Systems and Specifications
2.3.16 SSPC-TU 4, Field Methods for Retrieval and Analysis of Soluble Salts on
Substrates
2.3.17 SSPC-VIS 1, Visual Standard for Abrasive Blast Cleaned Steel
2.4 Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC)
Specification for Structural Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts, Section 5(b),
endorsed by the Research Council on Structural Connections.
2.5 American Institute for Steel Construction (AISC)
2.5.1 Sophisticated Paint Endorsement (SPE)
2.5.2 Manual of Steel Construction Manual
2.6 Related Reference Documents
2.6.1 Applicable Ordinances and Regulations
2.6.2 Equipment and Coating Manufacturers Published Instructions and Product Data
Sheets.

5

Section 3
General
3.1 Qualification
When the contract requires painting more than 1,500 square feet of steel surface, the
organization(s) performing coating application must demonstrate qualification by obtaining
either the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Sophisticated Paint
Endorsement (SPE) or The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) QP 1 or QP 3
certification. This qualification must be maintained throughout the painting portion of the
project. If it expires or is revoked for any reason, the owner may require that a qualified
organization complete the coating portion of the project.
3.2 Quality Control
The application contractor is required to conduct and document quality control inspection
of the cleaning and painting operations including, at a minimum, measurements of ambient
conditions, surface profile, surface cleanliness, coating material acceptability, dry film
thicknesses, and visual inspection for coating defects. The data shall be recorded in an
applicator log maintained at the painting site and be available for the Owners review
during working hours.
3.3 Written Procedures
The applicator(s) shall maintain written standard procedures, submitted to the Engineer
upon request, covering such items as verifying and maintaining paint manufacturer data,
measuring and recording dry film thickness and cure time, protection and treatment of
faying surfaces, and other information needed to successfully document and apply all coats
of paint.
3.4 Miscellaneous
3.4.1 All sharp corners shall be broken prior to final cleaning (profiling) and prime
painting.
3.4.2 Surfaces to be painted and the coating system to be used shall be as indicated on
plans and/or contract documents. Unless otherwise noted, paint is not required on
flange surfaces that will be embedded in concrete, on shear studs, or inside bolt
holes, but overspray or a mist coat is permitted on those surfaces.
3.4.3 Areas inaccessible to spray priming shall be spot primed immediately prior to or
after the prime coat to assure adequate coverage.
3.5 Protective Coating System
3.5.1 Only Owner-approved and qualified paint products shall be used.
3.5.2 All coatings shall be supplied by the same coating manufacturer unless otherwise
approved by the Engineer.
3.5.3 Dry film thickness ranges shall be as specified in Table 3.1, unless the Engineer
approves a variance in writing. If the coating manufacturers recommended
thickness ranges differ, written documentation may be submitted for the Engineers
approval, demonstrating that the manufacturers proposed ranges will satisfy the
Owners performance requirements.
6
Table 3.1. Film Thickness Requirements
Dry Film Thickness (DFT)
1
Coat Material Min Max
Primer Zinc-Rich 3 mils (75 m) 5 mils (125 m)
Stripe Coat
2
As Specified Uniform Coat Uniform Coat
Intermediate As Specified 2 mils (50 m) 4 mils (100 m)
Topcoat As Specified 3 mils (75 m) 5 mils (125 m)
Total DFT 8 mils (200 m) 14 mils (350 m)
1
Dry film thickness for primer on faying surfaces for joints connecting primary, load carrying members
shall be in accordance with Contract requirements and the coating manufacturers certified test data.
2
Intermediate stripe coat may be applied before or after intermediate coat
3.6 Coating Repairs
Minor coating defects, handling damage and other occasional nonconformances, and
destructive test sites shall be repaired in accordance with SSPC-PA 1 and/or the
manufacturers written recommendations. The applicator shall submit repair procedures for
substantial damage, significant defects, or widespread (gross) nonconformances in the
coating for the Engineers approval. Repairs to the topcoat must result in an acceptable,
uniform gloss and color on visible surfaces. The Engineer shall have final authority
concerning the coatings uniformity and acceptable appearance.
3.7 Paint Storage
Paint shall be stored in accordance with SSPC-QP 3, Section 3.2.4.f.
3.8 Steel Storage After Painting
Steel members shall be handled with care to minimize damage to or contamination of the
coating. Large members shall be handled with synthetic slings, padded chains and lifting
clamps, or other non-injurious methods, and stored on padded blocking or otherwise
protected. Small assemblies may be bundled utilizing cushioners to avoid or minimize
metal-to-metal contact of painted areas or shall be protected by other means. Paint must be
adequately cured before lifting or placing on supports to avoid paint damage or foreign
material adhering to painted surfaces.
3.9 Final Acceptance
After all shop coats have been applied, repaired as required and cured, the Engineer may
conditionally accept the coating. Final coating acceptance will be given at the jobsite.
Shop coatings will be evaluated upon arrival for fabricate and deliver contracts. After
steel is erected, damaged coatings are repaired, and field bolted or welded connections are
fully coated, assessment of the entire paint system for fabricate and erect contracts or the
field applied coat(s) for field painting contracts will be completed.
7

Section 4
Material Acceptance
4.1 Paint
4.1.1 The applicator shall verify that all paint materials satisfy composition and testing
requirements, are in conformance with the owner-approved qualified products list or
other applicable requirements, and will not exceed the manufacturers specified shelf
life before use.
The applicator shall instruct the coatings supplier to provide liquid batch samples of
all coating materials to the Owner if required or requested.
4.1.2 Materials will be rejected if the material arrives at the application site in other than
original, unopened containers; if a container has a break in the lid seal or a puncture;
or if the coating materials have begun to polymerize, solidify, gel, or deteriorate in
any manner.
4.2 Abrasive Media Condition
The applicator shall verify that abrasive cleaning material meets the requirements of
SSPC-AB 1, Mineral and Slag Abrasives, SSPC-AB 2, Cleanliness of Recycled Ferrous
Metallic Abrasives, or SSPC-AB 3, Newly Manufactured or Re-Manufactured Steel
Abrasive, and check the condition and cleanliness of recycled abrasives daily or as
otherwise directed by the Engineer.
8
Section 5
Surface Preparation
5.1 Material Anomalies
5.1.1 Corner Condition Remove all sharp corners prior to painting by creating a small
chamfer. Corners less acute than the definition of sharp need no further treatment
prior to final cleaning (profiling) and painting. Sharp corners may usually be
removed by a single pass with a grinder.
5.1.2 Preparation of Thermal Cut Edges Thermal cut edges (TCEs) to be painted shall be
conditioned before blasting to achieve proper profile. This may be required to ensure
the TCEs obtain the required profile during blast cleaning.
5.1.3 Base Metal Surface Irregularities Remove all visually evident surface defects in
accordance with ASTM A 6 or AASHTO M 160 prior to blast cleaning steel. When
material defects exposed by blast cleaning are removed, the profile must be restored
by blast cleaning or by using mechanical tools in accordance with SSPC-SP 11.
5.1.4 Weld Irregularities or Spatter Remove or repair all sharp weld prominences, weld
deficiencies (overlap; rollover; excessive concavity, convexity, or roughness), and
all heavy, sharp, or loose weld spatter. Occasional individual particles of rounded
tight weld spatter may remain, but widespread, sharp, or clustered particles of tight
weld spatter must be removed.
5.2 Pre-Cleaning
Remove all oil, grease, and other adherent deleterious substances from areas to be painted,
in accordance with SSPC-SP 1, prior to abrasive blast cleaning.
5.3 Abrasive Blast Cleaning
5.3.1 Abrasive blast clean the entire surface in accordance with SSPC-SP 10 using the
shot or shot/grit types for automated blast cleaning units per Table 3 in
SSPC-SP COM. The blast cleaning shall produce a surface profile of 1 to 3 mils (25
to 75 m).
5.3.2 If previously heavily rusted or pitted steel is used, measure the chloride level using
the swab method described in SSPC-TU 4. The chloride level on the blast-cleaned
surface shall not exceed 7 g/cm
2
in accordance with SSPC-SP 12, SC-2.
5.4 Assessing Conformance with Blast Cleaning Standards
The appearance of the final blast-cleaned surface shall be in conformance with
SSPC-VIS 1, Photograph A SP-10, B SP-10, C SP-10, or D SP-10. Conformance with the
corresponding SP-5 photographs is also acceptable. The profile shall be assessed with
replica tape per ASTM D 4417, Method C.
5.5 Bolts (Fasteners)
5.5.1 Bolts installed before shop priming shall be prepared as necessary so that after the
steel is abrasive blast cleaned, exposed bolt surfaces will satisfy the requirements
outlined in Table 5.1. Black bolts, nuts and washers, including flats facing adjacent
material, may require spot blast cleaning or other surface preparation before general
blast cleaning to assure adhesion of the primer.
9

Table 5.1. Surface Preparation Requirements for Fasteners/Bolts
Shop-Installed Prior to Primer
Application
Shop- or Field-Installed After Primer
Application
Item
Coating System Surface Prep. Coating System Surface Prep.
OZ, IOZ SSPC-SP 1, 10
OZ, Aluminum-Filled
Epoxy Mastic
SSPC-SP 1, 6
Black Iron Bolts OZ or IOZ Section 5.5.1
Other Specified
SSPC-SP 1 and as
reqd
Galvanized (Mechnical
or Hot Dip)
OZ or IOZ SSPC-SP 1 Intermediate Coat
SSPC-SP 1, 2, 3,
and/or 12
OZ= Organic Zinc-Rich Coating IOZ= Inorganic Zinc-Rich Coating
5.5.2 If the zinc coating on shop-installed mechanically or hot-dip galvanized bolts is
damaged during shop abrasive blast cleaning or tightening, it may be left as is if the
entire coating system will be applied over the fasteners.
5.5.3 Any dye remaining on galvanized nuts after weathering or the required surface
preparation is not believed to be detrimental to subsequent coating performance or
appearance. A white cloth wipe test can be used to confirm that all lubricant and
non-absorbed dye has been removed, leaving only the residual stain on the
surface.
The Fabricator shall obtain the identity of solvents and methods needed to remove
the lubricant. The Fabricator will also consult with the coating supplier to assess the
compatibility of the intermediate coat with any lubricant residue. The Fabricator
shall supply to the General Contractor, shop and field painters, the Owner and other
interested parties the information concerning the lubricant removal and the
cleanliness necessary for intermediate coat adhesion.
5.5.4 When zinc-coated tension control bolts are used, the sheared end of each fastener
shall be completely sealed with non-silicone-type sealing compound conforming to
the provisions in Federal Specification TT-S-230, Type II. The sealant shall be
applied to the non-rusted surface on the same day that the bolt is installed. The
sealant shall be compatible with adhesion of the subsequently applied coating.
5.6 Summary
Table 5.2 summarizes the requirements for pre-cleaning, cleaning, profile, and surface
cleanliness of structural steel.

Table 5.2. Surface Preparation Summary Table
Requirement
Basis for
Acceptance Minimum Maximum
Frequency/
Extent
1. Pre-Clean Visual SSPC-SP 1 N/A 100%
2. Degree of Cleaning Visual SSPC-SP 10 N/A 100%
3. Profile Replica Tape
(ASTM D 4417)
Test

1 mil (25 m) 3 mils (75 m)
once every
shift

4. Surface Cleanliness
(SSPC-TU 4)
Test

N/A 7 g/cm
2

Varies
1

1
Only needed on heavily rusted or pitted steel as described in SSPC-VIS 1 Conditions C and D.
10
Section 6
Paint Application
6.1 General
6.1.1 Coatings shall be applied in accordance with the Contract requirements, SSPC-PA 1,
and the manufacturers instructions. The system shall consist of prime coat,
intermediate stripe coat, intermediate coat, and topcoat.
6.1.2 The applicator or a designated representative is required to conduct and document an
on-going quality control inspection of the prepared surface, and the prime,
intermediate, and topcoat painting per Tables 6.1 to 6.3 (presented at the end of
Section 6).
6.1.3 The applicator shall record the daily storage temperature range for coating materials
and verify conformance with the coating manufacturers product data sheet.
Inventory control must be used to ensure that components are used within the shelf
life prescribed by the manufacturer. The coating batch numbers from the mixed
components, the amount and type of thinner used, along with the date applied shall
be recorded in the application log.

The applicator shall verify that the coating has been applied to provide a continuous,
uniform film of the specified thickness; is well bonded to the metal or previously
applied coating; is free of laps, streaks, sags, or other visually evident defects; and
was applied within the manufacturers specified pot life.
An example of a coating inspection form is provided in Appendix 1.
6.1.4 Areas which fail any required tests shall be subject to the nonconformance
disposition procedure outlined in Section 3.6.
6.1.5 Tables 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 show information related to ambient conditions; surface
cleanliness; and mixing, application, and cure. The charts show the specific source
of relevant control information, as well as minimum and maximum tolerances. Also
indicated are inspection frequency requirements.
6.2 Prime Coat
Coatings applied to contact surfaces of bolted connections between primary members shall
satisfy RCSC requirements (see Section 2.4). Prior to shop bolting, verify that the coating
on faying surfaces is properly cured in accordance with ASTM D 4752 and the
manufacturer's requirements. Verify that the dry film thicknesses on shop and field slip
critical bolted faying surfaces are within the range previously validated by testing.
6.3 Intermediate and Topcoat
The color of the topcoat shall be as specified in the contract documents. The intermediate
coat color shall contrast with both the primer and final coat, as approved by the Engineer.
Stripe coats may be tinted as necessary to assure proper coverage. Coating materials used
to apply piecemarks shall be compatible with the coats beneath and above (if any).
11

Table 6.1 Inorganic Zinc Prime Coat Inspection
Requirement
Basis for
Acceptance Minimum Maximum Frequency/Extent
1 Current Painter
Qualification
Verified
Applicator QC Plan
As reqd by
AISC/SSPC
N/A Every painter/project
2 Ambient Temperature Product Data Sheet As Required As Allowed Every 4 hours
1

3 Dew Point &
Humidity
Product Data Sheet As Required As Allowed Every 4 hours
1

4 Surface Temperature Product Data Sheet As Required As Allowed Every 4 hours
1

5 Primer Component
Batch Number
Owner Approved
Batch Numbers
2

N/A N/A Every Paint Kit
6 Verification of
Surface Cleanliness
SSPC-SP 10 N/A
24 hrs and
before Rust
Bloom
Examine visually and
with cloth w/in 1 hour
prior to priming
7 Date and Time N/A N/A N/A Each Lot of Work
8 Piece Mark or Bundle N/A N/A N/A Each Lot of Work
3

9 Temperature of
Mixed Primer
Product Data Sheet As Required As Allowed
When mixing
components
4

10 Proper Mixing and
Straining
Product Data Sheet As Required N/A Every Pot Mix
4

11 Primer Induction
Time
5

Product Data Sheet N/A N/A Every Pot Mix
12 Primer Pot Life
5
Product Data Sheet N/A As Allowed Every Pot Mix
13 Primer Cure Time Product Data Sheet As Required N/A Each Lot of Work
14 Primer Cure Test
6
ASTM D 4752 4 Rating N/A Daily or Once / Shift
15 Dry Film Thickness Table 3.1 As Required As Required SSPC-PA 2
16 Visual Inspection SSPC-PA 1 No defects N/A 100%
17 Primer Coat
Evaluation and
Repair
7

SSPC PA 1 & Appr.
Procedure
As Required N/A
Visual, 100% of each
element
18 Primer Recoat Time Product Data Sheet Full Cure
6
Acceptable
7
Each lot of work

Footnotes follow Table 6.3.
12
Table 6.2. Intermediate Coat Inspection
Requirement
Basis for
1 Current Painter
Qualification Verified
Applicator QC Plan
As reqd by
AISC/SSPC
1

3 Dew Point & Humidity Product Data Sheet As Required As Allowed Every 4 hours
1

1

5 Intermediate Coat
Component Batch
Number
Owner Approved
Batch Numbers
2

6 Primer Coat Evaluation
and Repair
7

SSPC PA 1 & Appr.
Procedure
As Required N/A
element
7 Primer Recoat Time Product Data Sheet Full Cure
6
Acceptable
7
Each Lot of Work
8 Verification of Primer
Surface Cleanliness
SSPC-SP 1 As Required N/A
Initial and Every 4
Hours of Painting
3

11 Temperature of Mixed
Inter. Coat
When mixing
components
4

12 Intermediate Coat
Mixing &/or Straining
4

Induction Time
5

14 Intermediate Coat Pot
Life
5

4

15 Stripe Coat
8
Product Data Sheet As Required N/A Applicable Areas
16 Intermediate Coat DFT Table 3.1
9
As Required As Required SSPC-PA 2
17 Visual Inspection SSPC-PA 1 No Defects N/A 100%
Evaluation and Repair
10
SSPC PA 1 & Appr.
Procedure
As Required N/A
element
Recoat Time
Product Data Sheet Full Cure As Allowed Each Lot of Work

Footnotes follow Table 6.3.
13

Table 6.3. Top Coat Inspection
Requirement
Basis for
1 Current Painter
Qualification Verified
Applicator QC Plan
As reqd by
AISC/SSPC
1

3 Dew Point &
Humidity
Product Data Sheet As Required As Allowed Every 4 hours
1

1

5 Top Coat Component
Batch Number
Owner Approved
Batch Numbers
2

6 Intermediate Coat
Evaluation and
Repair
10

SSPC PA 1 & Appr.
Procedure
As Required N/A
element
7 Intermediate Coat
Recoat Time
Product Data Sheet Full Cure Acceptable Each Lot of Work
8 Verification of Int.
Coat Surface
Cleanliness
SSPC-SP 1 As Required N/A
Initial and Every 4
Hours of Painting
3

11 Temperature of
Mixed Top Coat
When mixing
components
4

12 Top Coat Mixing
&/or Straining
4

13 Top Coat Induction
Time
5

14 Top Coat Pot Life
5
4

15 Stripe Coat
8
Product Data Sheet As Required N/A Applicable Areas
16 Topcoat Dry Time Product Data Sheet Full Cure N/A Each Lot of Work
17 Top Coat DFT Table 3.1
9
As Required As Required SSPC-PA 2
18 Visual Inspection SSPC-PA 1 No Defects N/A 100%
19 Adhesion ASTM D 3359 3A Rating N/A 3 Times per Job
11

20 Paint System Final
Evaluation and
Repair
10

SSPC PA 1 & Appr.
Procedure
As Required N/A
element

1 Based on weather conditions, more or less frequent testing may be stipulated by the Engineer.
2 Owner-approval may be based on sampling and testing or the manufacturers certification acceptance
that batch compositions conform to previously approved standards. Primer for faying (contact)
surfaces of high strength bolted connections (for slip-critical, frictional transfer of load) must satisfy
RCSC requirements for a Class B rating, based on certified tests by the coating manufacturer or
applicator.
3 All items in each lot that were coated with the same batch of paint must be identified. Small items
may be identified by bundle or shipping container number.
14
4 Every pot mixed should be verified. QC must document acceptance by initials or signature, and form
must include time/date and batch component numbers.
5 Upon addition of the activator. Does not apply to single or multiple component coatings not utilizing
a catalyst or other activator that reacts to modify the mixed coating and/or limit pot life.
6 Cure testing of primer is required prior to shop application of intermediate or stripe coat, or if adding
extensive primer to increase initial DFT. (Not required for spot priming.) See manufacturers thinning
requirements if repriming previously coated surface. For field-applied intermediate coat, the D 4752
cure test is not required, but adequate primer cure must be verified before handling and shipping.
7 Weathering can degrade the primer surface quality by the formation of white rust (zinc oxide) or
rust stains from unpainted top flanges. Heavy staining, oxide build-up, dirt and other contaminants
accumulated during prolonged exposure should be power-washed or otherwise treated to remove any
non-adherent residue and better insure the intermediate coats bond with the primer.
8 Stripe coat(s) using the mixed coating may be applied either before or after the intermediate and/or
the top coat to insure adequate coverage on outside corners, edges and other areas specified in the
applicators coating plan. Stripe coats are primarily intended for use with the intermediate coat, but
may be used with the topcoat as long as a uniform final finish is obtained.
9 Based on difference between average DFT of coats applied and previous readings for similar areas.
For example, webs, stiffeners, flanges, cross frames, and bearings may each have different averages
due to application patterns.
10 All repairs shall meet the requirements of Section 3.6. The recoat window shall follow the guidelines
of this specification, the coating manufacturers recommendations, and good painting practice as
dictated by SSPC.
11 The number of adhesion tests may be changed by Contract requirements or the Engineers approval,
based on the project size, system selected, and anticipated conditions. Adhesion testing may be
accomplished by performing tests on representative areas of members, or on steel coupons secured to
permanent members and cleaned and coated simultaneously with those members.

15

Commentary

C1.3 The breaking (flattening) of a sharp corner is sketched below:
approximately 1//16" (2 mm)

Extensive testing has proven shop grinding of corners is unnecessary for improving coating
coverage and corrosion protection when employing ethyl silicate inorganic zinc-rich primer
systems with a minimum zinc loading of 83%.
C1.8 Edge grinding can be used to remove martensite, a hardened form of steel that may occur
due to rapid resolidification following thermal cutting. This layer is typically very thin, about
0.01" to 0.02" (0.25 to 0.50 mm) thick, and is dependent upon the steels chemistry and
thickness. Light grinding is generally sufficient to remove this material, and is only necessary if
the hardness interferes with achieving the desired profile during blast cleaning. The presence of
martensite and/or the small grooves normally left by thermal cutting are not a fatigue or stress
concentration problem.
C1.13 and C3.4.2 Mist Coat A mist coat may be applied to inhibit rusting on nominally
unpainted, temporarily exposed areas later covered by concrete (i.e., the top of the top flange).
While there is some evidence that inorganic zinc-rich coatings will react with fresh concrete, the
reaction with a thin mist coat layer is not considered significant to the performance of the
concrete.
C3.5.3 & C Table 3.1 DFTs in excess of those permitted, although constituting a specification
nonconformance, should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Occasional excursions,
especially at inside corners and other areas prone to high DFT due to pattern overlap, may be
acceptable if the coating is well-adhered and free of the deficiencies listed in Section 6.1.3.
Attempting to reduce DFT in an otherwise acceptable coating may result in significant problems
or extensive, unnecessary rework. The applicator should be notified of the problem and amend
procedures to avoid recurrences. QC and QA inspectors should document the deficiencies noted,
any corrections required, and resulting changes in the applicators practices, consistent with the
resolution of any other nonconformance item.

C3.9 Although the Engineer (through the QA Inspector) may accept the shop-painted fabricated
items before shipment to the job site, final acceptance of the paint system by the Engineer on
fabricate and erect or field painting contracts will typically occur following erection of the
structure, after all field coats and paint repairs have been completed. The Engineer may elect to
check the coated member at the fabrication/paint shop prior to shipping and approve the item,
waiving field inspection and approval, especially on Type 1 (three shop coat) contracts or for the
shop painting requirement of fabricate and deliver contracts.
16
NCDOT has adopted a Coating Inspection Report form which reflects some of the
requirements of this document. That form is appended (see Appendix 1). The form is not a part
of this specification and is added to the Commentary as an example.
C5.1.1 Some corner softening (flattening) occurs during blast cleaning; however, blast
cleaning alone will not sufficiently break a sharp corner. Corners in the as-rolled condition are
not normally in need of any treatment. However, corners resulting from shearing, burning,
thermal cutting, or impact may be sharp and must be treated in accordance with Section 5.1.1.
See also C1.3.
C5.1.4 While the removal of all weld spatter is recommended, it is recognized that absolute
compliance would present difficulties, often leading to unnecessary rework. As a practical
matter, occasional tightly adhered spatter may remain as long as paint coverage and adhesion are
not adversely affected.
C5.5.1 This extra cleaning may be required because of surface hardness, limited blast media
access, etc.
C Table 6.3, Line 19 and footnote 11 The adhesion test confirms that the coating system
achieves satisfactory adhesion. The test is destructive, but the value inherent in assuring system
adhesion outweighs the cost of performing and repairing occasional adhesion test sites.
Due to the destructive nature of adhesion testing, alternate approaches are permitted to satisfy
the requirement. If a steel coupon is affixed to a member and cleaned and painted along with the
member, the coupon can be the location of the adhesion test, avoiding coating damage and
repairs on the permanent member.
17

Appendix 1

Revised 03/15/2000
COATING INSPECTION REPORT Field or Shop M&T FORM 928

Project/WO# ________________________ Location: ___________________________
Contractor: __________________________ Applicator: __________________________
Coating Supplier: _____________________ SSPC or AISC SPE Certified Yes or No
Products Prequalified Yes or No Coatings Pretested Yes or No
Primer Slip Requirement Yes or No Painter Verification Yes or No
Pre-cleaning Yes or No Edge Preparation Yes or No
Testing Instruments Calibrated Yes or No Acceptable Paint Storage Yes or No
Piece Marks Yes or No
Span #s, Piece #s, or Paint Lot ID: ________________________________________________

Ref # Parameter Required Frequency Test Results Initial Date
1 Product Name/ID This coat This record
2 Batch # Primer This coat Each Used
3 Min. Surface Prep. SP- Each Piece
4 Profile, Blast 1.0-3.0 mils Daily
5 Mixing Temp. Once Mixed Each Batch
6 Application Temp. >Min.<Max. Each 4 Hrs.
7 Relative Humidity >Min.<Max. Each 4 Hrs.
7 Dew Point (DP) 5F > DP Each 4 Hrs.
8 Dry/Cure Time >Min. Each Shift
9 Max. Dry/Cure Time <Max. Each Shift
10 DFT Min____ Max___ PA-2 Each Lot
11 Adhesion >Min. Each Lot
12 Color Verify Make Note
1 Product Name/ID This coat Make Note
2 2
nd
Coat Batch # (Base) This coat This record Activator
13 Surface Condition Verify Each Used
5 Mixing Temp. Once mixed Make Note
8 Dry/Cure Time >Min. Each Shift
10 DFT Min____ Max___ PA-2 Each Lot
2 3
rd
Coat Batch # (Base) This coat This record Activator
18
Ref # Parameter Required Frequency Test Results Initial Date
8 Min. Dry/Cure Time >Min. Each Shift
10 DFT Min.___ Max___ PA-2 Each Lot
2 4
th
Coat Batch # This coat This record
8 Min. Dry/Cure Time >Min. Each Shift
10 DFT Min.___ Max. ___ PA-2 Each Lot
12 Color (Std._________) Verify Make Note

M&T Form 928 Instructions:
Fill in the blanks or circle either yes or no in the top portion of the report. The reference
numbers offer guidance in completing the remaining fields in the report. The applicators
quality control representative must initial and date each report entry.
1. Enter the product name such as Zinc Clad 11HS.
2. Enter the lot number printed on the container.
3. Confirm the surface preparation requirements. Enter the SSPC Surface Preparation Standard
and use this standard when determining the Test Results.
4. A 1.0 to 3.0 mil profile specified for blast cleaned steel. Measure profile using ASTM
D4417.
5. The mixing temperature is the temperature of the paint once mixing has been completed.
6. The application temperature is taken on the surface of the steel using a calibrated surface
thermometer. Confirm that the temperature is within permissible ranges printed in the
___________ Standard Specifications and those listed in the manufacturers Product Data
Sheet.
7. The relative humidity and dew point are measured using a sling psychrometer. The relative
humidity must be within the range specified on the manufacturers Product Data Sheet.
_____________ specifications require the temperature of the steel to be 5F above the dew
point.
8. The drying/curing times specified for the respective paint products must be met before
topcoating. The cure of inorganic zinc paints is determined by ASTM D4752.
9. Check the Product Data Sheet for a maximum recoat time. Record the time between coats
and verify the maximum recoat time has not been exceeded.
19

10. The DFT (dry film thickness) requirements for each paint are listed in __________s
Standard Specifications. SSPC-PA 2 determines such thicknesses.
11. The adhesion of inorganic zinc paint must meet the 400 psi minimum requirement when
determined by ASTM D4541. The adhesion of other paints must meet a minimum 3A
requirement when tested in accordance with ASTM D3359. Verify the specification
requirements before testing.
12. Record the paint color on the inspection document. Verify a uniform color and gloss.
13. Enter clean in the data field if the surface is clean, dry, and free of rust, dirt, moisture, oil,
and other contaminants.
General Requirements:
The abrasive, compressed air, and painting equipment are inspected by the applicator on a
routine basis to ensure functionality and cleanliness. A log is maintained to document that testing
instruments are calibrated before use.
20

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