What is the function of abrasive blast cleaning in surface preparation of concrete?

The function of abrasive blast cleaning in the surface preparation of concrete is to provide a rough surface for better adhesion. This process removes contaminants, dust, old coatings, and any weak surface materials while simultaneously creating a textured profile on the concrete surface. This profile increases the effective surface area and enhances the mechanical bond between the coating and the concrete substrate.

When a coating is applied to a roughened surface, it can interlock into the grooves and peaks created during the abrasive blasting process, which ultimately contributes to higher adhesion strength. In coatings work, achieving the right profile is essential for long-lasting performance, as a surface that is too smooth may not allow coatings to adhere properly, leading to premature failure.

Abrasive blast cleaning does not directly apply protective coatings, nor does it inherently reduce the exposure of pollutants or increase the compressive strength of the concrete. Instead, it is primarily focused on enhancing the surface characteristics to promote better adhesion for subsequent coatings.