SikaEmaco®-488 CI

NSF/ANSI Std 61 certified for drinking water systems

SikaEmaco®-488 CI is a one-component rheoplastic, silica-fume modified, fiber-reinforced repair mortar with an integral corrosion inhibitor.

55 lb. bags: 1 year when properly stored

3,300 lb. bulk bags: 3 months when properly stored

Store in unopened containers in a cool, clean, dry area

139 lb/ft³ (2,275 kg/m³)

Direct Tensile Bond Strength

Splitting Tensile Strength

Direct Shear Bond Strength

Slant Shear Bond Strength

¹No epoxy-bonding agent was used.

Drying Shrinkage

²ICRI Guideline No. 320.2R “Guide for Selecting and Specifying Materials for Repair of Concrete Surfaces” (formally No. 03733), 1 by 1 by 10" (25 by 25 by 250 mm) prism, air cured.

Working time

45 min

0.45 ft³ (0.013 m³) per 55 lb (25 kg) bag

•  Precondition material to approximately 70 °F (21 °C) for 24 hours before using.
• Protect repairs from direct sunlight, wind, and other conditions that could cause rapid drying of material.
• Do not mix partial bags.
• Minimum ambient and surface temperatures should be 45 °F (7 °C) and rising at the time of application.
• For professional use only; not for sale to or use by the general public.
• Make certain the most current versions of the product data sheet and SDS are being used.
• Proper application is the responsibility of the user. Field visits by Sika personnel are for the purpose of making technical recommendations only and not for supervising or providing quality control on the jobsite.

1. The substrate must be structurally sound and fully cured (28 days).
2. The saw cut the perimeter of the area being repaired into a square with a minimum depth of 1/4" (6 mm).
3. The surface to be repaired must be clean, free of laitance, and saturated surface-dry (SSD) following ICRI Guideline no. 310.2 to permit proper bond. For most applications, a CSP 4 - 10 will promote sufficient bond.

Reinforcing Steel

1. Remove all oxidation and scale from the exposed reinforcing steel in accordance with ICRI Technical Guideline No. 310.1R.
2. For additional protection from future corrosion, coat the prepared reinforcing steel with Sikagard® P 8100 AP.

Reinforcing Mesh

1. In the following conditions, use a 4 by 4" (102 by 102 mm) low-gauge (10–12) mesh firmly tied into the properly prepared substrate. If repairing chloride-contaminated concrete consider using galvanized or stainless mesh. The use of galvanic anodes or Sikagard® P 8100 AP should also be considered to protect adjacent concrete:
2. – When applying SikaEmaco®-488 CI mortar in repairs greater than 10 lineal feet (3 m) in the longest direction
3. – In overlays at depths of 1–1½" (25–38 mm) or greater
4. – For overhead applications of the same size
5. Locate the mesh no closer than 3⁄8" (10 mm) and no more than 1" (25 mm) from the finished surface using spacers and concrete anchors.
6. Mesh is not necessary in applications with side restraints, such as square-cut patches or areas where existing concrete reinforcement will provide adequate restraint. For depths over 2" (51 mm), consult your Sika representative.

1. Add 0.7–1.0 gallons (2.7–3.8 L) of potable water per 55 lb (25 kg) bag.
2. Mechanically mix using a forced-action mortar mixer of appropriate size. Pour approximately 90% of the mix water into the mixing container, and then charge the mixer with the bagged material. Add the remaining mix water as required.
3. Mix for 3–5 minutes to achieve a homogeneous consistency. For overhead applications, use a stiffer mix.

Hand-trowel Application

1. Dampen the surface with potable water; it must be saturated surface-dry (SSD) with no standing water.
2. With a gloved hand, scrub a small quantity of mixed material into the SSD substrate. Thoroughly key in and work the material throughout the cavity to promote bond. Do not apply more of the bond coat than can be covered with mortar before the bond coat dries.
3. Apply material in lifts of 1/4–2" (6–51 mm). Avoid featheredging. For optimum mechanical bond on successive lifts, thoroughly score each lift and allow it to reach the initial set before the next layer is applied. Placement time is 45 minutes at 70 °F (21 °C) and 50% relative humidity.
4. Trowel material to the desired finish after the initial set.
5. The recommended application range of SikaEmaco®-488 CI is from 45 to 90 °F (7 to 32 °C). Follow ACI 305 and 306 for hot or cold weather guidelines.

Spray Application

1. Spray application is recommended for larger repairs refer to ACI RAP 3.
2. Applicators must have a thorough knowledge of pump and spray equipment before spray-applying SikaEmaco®-488 CI. Use normal techniques of pumping water first and then a cement slurry to prime and lubricate the base (neither being applied to the repair area). Be careful not to get too far ahead of the finishing crew; SikaEmaco®-488 CI mortar stiffens rapidly after placement. Periodic cleaning of the pump may be helpful when applying large quantities.
3. SikaEmaco®-488 CI mortar may be applied on vertical or overhead surfaces in thicknesses from 3⁄8–2" (10 mm–51 mm). For depths over 2" (51 mm), consult your Sika representative. Achieve a thicker build by making multiple passes with the spray nozzle.

• Can be applied vertically in a thickness up to 2" (51 mm) in a single lift.
• Unless forming is used, the overhead application should be no more than 11/2" (38 mm) per pass. For depths greater than 11/2" (38 mm), succeeding lifts of no more than 1" (25 mm) should be used.
• MULTIPLE LIFTS: Timing between lifts is critical and will vary with several factors, including mix consistency, mix and ambient temperature, wind conditions, humidity, and application technique. Succeeding lifts may be placed after the repair mortar has developed the initial set. Roughen or profile the preliminary lifts to ensure the adhesion of subsequent lifts. When succeeding lifts will not be applied the same day, keep the surface continually moist.

Finishing

1. After placing SikaEmaco®-488 CI mortar, level the surface immediately using a wooden float.
2. In hot, dry, or windy conditions, use Sika® Antisol® ER 50 evaporation reducer.
3. Start final finishing when the mortar has begun to set using a wooden or sponge float.

Curing

Wet cure for a minimum of seven days or cure with an approved curing compound compliant with ASTM C 309 or preferably ASTM C 1315.

Clean tools and equipment with clean water immediately after use. Cured material must be removed mechanically.