Industrial concrete floors are under constant pressure. Control joints manage slab movement, but heavy vehicle traffic creates impact and spalling, causing costly damage and downtime. ARDEX RA 54 restores these critical joints quickly. It’s a fast-setting, semi-rigid polyurea sealant that handles heavy-duty vehicle traffic in just 90 minutes. Restore full operation, fast.

Why this product exists

ARDEX RA 54 is engineered for the unique demands of industrial concrete flooring. Its semi-rigid formulation and rapid cure prevent the significant operational downtime associated with traditional joint fillers. This product specifically addresses interior control joints and new construction saw joints in areas subject to intense wear from forklifts and heavy machinery. It safeguards joint edges from spalling and impact damage, ensuring a durable, trafficable surface with minimal disruption.

The numbers that matter

  • Trafficable in 90 minutes: This rapid cure time allows for quick return to service, drastically cutting project timelines and minimising operational interruptions for warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
  • Shore A Hardness 75-80: A semi-rigid profile protects joint edges from impact and spalling under heavy vehicle and forklift traffic, extending the lifespan of the concrete floor.
  • 10-12% Movement Capability: While semi-rigid, ARDEX RA 54 accommodates the necessary thermal cycling in control joints. This measured movement prevents bond failure, especially when used with a backer rod to control joint depth.
  • Tensile Strength 8.3 MPa: This high strength ensures the sealant endures significant stress from heavy loads without cracking or breaking, maintaining joint integrity over time.

What it's like to use

Success with ARDEX RA 54 begins with meticulous preparation. Substrates must be completely dry and cured for a minimum of 28 days. Clean and mechanically roughen surfaces, ensuring all dust and contaminants are removed from the joint. Before application, vigorously shake the cartridge for 60 seconds, then allow it to stand for five minutes. Purge the initial material until an even flow from both components is visible. Dispense using full, smooth trigger pulls, slightly overfilling the joint for a clean shave. The sealant cures sufficiently for shaving in approximately 45 minutes at 23°C. Clean tools and equipment immediately with white spirits or mineral turps before the material hardens. Ensure a compatible backer rod is placed to control joint depth and prevent three-sided adhesion, allowing for optimal joint performance.

Where this product excels

  • Industrial Floor Control Joints: Filling interior control joints in warehouses, factories, and distribution centres where heavy forklift and vehicle traffic is constant.
  • New Construction Saw Joints: Rapid sealing of saw-cut joints in new concrete slabs, allowing for fast project handover and immediate operational use.
  • Heavy-Duty Vehicle Lanes: Protecting and sealing concrete joints in loading docks, aisles, and production areas that experience high-impact vehicle movement.
  • Exterior Concrete with Minimal Movement: Suitable for outdoor concrete joints where thermal cycling causes up to 10-12% movement, provided the substrate is consistently dry during application.

Choose this when

  • When rapid return to service (90 minutes) for heavy-duty concrete traffic is non-negotiable.
  • When semi-rigid joint support is required to protect concrete edges from spalling and impact.
  • For sealing interior control joints or new construction saw joints in industrial or commercial concrete floors.
  • Where zero VOC compliance is a project requirement.

Don't use this when

  • Not for: Expansion joints, which require higher movement capability than ARDEX RA 54 offers.
  • Not for: Applications on damp or wet surfaces, as moisture during application and cure will compromise performance.
  • Not for: Joints requiring high movement (exceeding 10-12% of the joint width).
  • Not for: Uncured concrete, which requires a minimum 28-day cure before application to prevent moisture issues.

ARDEX RA 54 features 0 g/L Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), contributing to healthier indoor air quality for industrial environments and meeting green building specifications.