Industries that store or use fuel in large quantities must ensure that their fuel containment and loading areas comply with safety regulations such as the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
This includes having a backup or secondary fuel containment system to ensure that any discharge from the primary system, such as a pipe or tank, will not escape the system, including onto the walls and floor, before a cleanup can be successfully implemented.
Containment systems made of concrete can crack and degrade due to aging, abrasion and exposure to harsh chemicals. Fortunately, spray coatings designed to bond to concrete surfaces can provide increased protection and durability.
Solution for Repairing Cracking Concrete
SC-3900 Advantages for Fuel Containment
- Use to seal and restore aging truck loading racks
- Protects against incidental drips and spills while fueling
- Anti-skid option for increased slip resistance
- Can be used to seal large expansion joints and cracks
- 300% elongation with a 3900 PSI tensile strength
- High abrasion resistant
- Inert to freeze/thaw in northern climate zones
- Withstands daily traffic of 80,000-lb tankers – saves on costly concrete recapping
What Causes Concrete to Degrade?
In addition, concrete can be more susceptible to cracking over time if it has been mixed or poured improperly or been allowed to dry too quickly.
Does Fuel Damage Concrete Over Time?
In cases of chemical spills or exposures, concrete is most vulnerable to attack from acidic and caustic substances. Chemicals such as gasoline, fuel oils and petroleum-based lubricating oils may cause less damage to mature concrete.
Nevertheless, research has found that concrete exposed to crude oil products can see a reduction in compressive strength over time. In addition, palm diesel, often used as a biofuel, has been found to cause concrete deterioration. Surface treatment of the concrete with epoxy or other chemically resistant materials can inhibit the deterioration.
If a facility’s fuel containment system fails or experiences incidental drips or spills, concrete that has been damaged or degraded by other means can allow fuel to contaminate the surrounding environment.
What Are the Spill Containment Requirements for Fuel Loading Areas and Racks?
Fuel loading areas are constructed to accommodate the transfer of fuels from tank trucks or railroad tank cars to storage tanks and other containers. These areas generally must be constructed with fuel loading/unloading racks, which can include such structures
Regulations frequently require fuel loading and storage areas to provide secondary containment, which can include concrete berms, retaining walls, retention ponds and gutters or other drainage systems.
In addition, regulations for loading areas may require secondary containment that can accommodate the maximum capacity of any compartment of the tank car or tank truck; be made of impermeable material; have signs or barriers to prevent premature vehicle movement that could cause a spill; and be maintained under conditions that will not interfere with the containment system.
What Are the Benefits of Industrial Spray Coatings for Concrete?
An effective spray coating will bond to concrete substrates, as well as asphalt and other substances.
When used in industrial applications, the most effective concrete sealants can seal and bridge hairline cracks and large moving joints for long-lasting protection. A rubber coating spray for concrete can also stop active leaks, deterioration and freeze thaw.
A coating or lining system can seal and restore aging loading racks and other fuel containment systems, and can also withstand heavy traffic and abrasions as well as seal joints, cracks and voids.



Basic Concepts is the world leader in the portable spill containment market because we offer high quality products that have features that customers prefer year after year! Please call to discuss your secondary containment requirements with one of our experienced, on-staff technical sales representatives. We’ll gladly supply references, comparative test data, and sample spill containment materials to help you make an informed decision. Basic Concepts is part of the Justrite Safety Group.