12 Protection against impact and chemical attack as a function of strength and layer thickness

Recently we were discussing the feasibility to make nine different kinds of industrial floors from only one epoxy resin. The nine different kinds show different layer thick-ness, starting with an impregnation and ending with a porous, cheap repair mortar, not needing much binder. This would give a practical modular system of "one epoxy resin for nearly everything". These technical possibilities have advantages and disad-vantages which must be considered. In my view they create confusion on two levels:

(1) They make decisions difficult for architects and owners, who do not know the signification of layer thickness.

(2) They increase the amount of items stocked on site thus increasing complexity and the probability of applying the wrong material or the wrong composition.

The multi-purpose system is not suitable for high chemical resistance and crack-bridging.

It is our practical experience that we do not need normally so many different kinds of floorings. The normal choice is for a new construction or a renovation is

(1) an impregnation
(2) (and only for renovation) levelling, then a
(3) coating, which may be completed by a>
(4) topcoat