Session: Advanced Concepts for Concrete Surface Preparation, Restoration, and Protective Lining Systems for Municipal Wastewater
Redefining Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) in Concrete: Literature Insights and Innovative Testing for Practical Field Application - Part I (C2026-00314)
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Central
Location: 381 AB
Earn .5 PDH
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Remi Briand, Murray Heywood, Nick Miller, Vaughn ODea, PCS
Successful concrete repair depends on a durable bond between the existing substrate and the repair material. For cementitious mortar systems, the Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) condition is commonly recommended to reduce substrate absorption of mix water and improve bond strength through capillary action and mechanical interlock. Despite its importance, SSD remains loosely defined and inconsistently assessed in the field, leading to unreliable performance. This paper calls for clearer guidance, reviews relevant literature, and introduces Part I of an experimental framework to develop potential SSD field evaluation methods. By improving our understanding of SSD conditioning, the study aims to establish more reliable conditioning protocols and enhance the long-term durability and effectiveness of cementitious repair systems applied to concrete.
