Dunkettle Interchange is a junction close to Cork City where four major roads converge.

It has caused considerable congestion for several years, so a multi-million Euro upgrade project to improve the situation, including removal of the existing traffic light system, was completed over a three-year period. The construction works included multiple overpasses, bridges, culverts and retaining walls, which were completed in accordance with the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) specification. An extensive surface area of buried concrete was to be sealed with a protective coating conforming to the EN1504-2 standard. A suitable sealant for the precast units was also needed to protect against the damaging effects of chlorides and road salts.

THE SOLUTION
TII specifications traditionally include an epoxy-based coating to protect buried structures, however for this project Fosroc Brushbond FLX III (Black) was proposed and accepted as an environmentally friendly solvent-free alternative that could be applied to the piles, bridge abutments, retaining walls and culverts.
Another alternative solution, Fosroc Nitoseal MS600 civil engineering sealant, was used in place of a traditional two-part polysulfide sealant on culverts and bridge parapets. Its exceptional durability against chemicals associated with road de-icing and excellent weather protection made it the ideal choice.

THE BENEFITS
The solvent-free Brushbond FLX III product helped to reduce applicator exposure to harmful chemicals and cut the level of volatile organic compounds produced over the course of the project, delivering a significant environmental benefit over traditional epoxy products. Furthermore, as a primer-less solution, it can be applied to “green” concrete. This enabled the contractor to backfill against the new coating in less time – often on the same day, saving a considerable amount of time and money.

By using the single-part Nitoseal MS600 sealant the contractor was able to ensure that each application was consistent and cured as expected. The need to mix base and hardener was eliminated, reducing application times and supply in foil sachets kept packaging waste to a minimum.

Fosroc International,
Block 3, Miesian Plaza, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, D02 Y754, IE
Tel: 353 (01) 913 1048
E: enquiryuk@fosroc.com
www.fosroc.com

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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine

Email: michael@irishconstruction.com      WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE