Question 1

What is unique about GST International’s Elephant Armor®?

Accepted Answer

Unlike other mortars, Elephant Armor (EA) is a single component, fiber based, zero polymer, engineered ductal mortar. It is very easy to use, even in remote places - Just Add Water. EA contains no polymers, allowing it to accept stains, tints, or any other color pigments (other than white). In addition to the mechanical bond, our fiber creates a fully engaged molecular bond within the mortar matrix, providing extremely high tensile and flexural strength. This also means EA has vastly superior bond strength to anything on the market. Elephant Armor® is a highly ductile mortar, which allows the overlay or repair to Flex Without Failure. It is highly resistant to de-icing salts and freeze/thaw, inhibits propagation of existing cracks through the surface, and contains a patented low embodied energy high cementitious formulation—a green technology that reduces our carbon footprint.

Question 2

How many square feet per 50lb bag does Elephant Armor® cover?

Accepted Answer

When using a GST Texture Roller (looped roller) with specially developed GST 1/4" Cap Gauges, a 50 lb. bag will cover approx. 22 sq. ft. Using 1/2" gauges with the GST Texture Roller, that number goes down to 11 sq. ft. per bag. Total yield per 50 lb. bag of EA is 1/2 cubic foot.

Question 3

Are Fiberglass Fibers used in Elephant Armor®?

Accepted Answer

No, the fibers used are a highly specialized Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA).

Question 4

Can Elephant Armor® be stained?

Accepted Answer

Yes, EA contains no polymers, allowing it to accept stains, tints, or any other color pigments (other than white).

Question 5

Can Elephant Armor® be polished?

Accepted Answer

Yes, EA can be polished. Please contact your local Elephant Armor Representative for information.

Question 6

Can you use a grinder on cured Elephant Armor®?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Elephant Armor grinds well. It is the preferred method in certain applications such as curb and spall repairs.

Question 7

Can Elephant Armor® be used to make counter tops or water features?

Accepted Answer

Yes, counter top or water-feature construction are examples of reverse-casting. EA is used extensively in the manufacturing of the outdoor kitchen industry. These are just a couple of the many possible uses for Elephant Armor®.

Question 8

What is the PSI rating of Elephant Armor®?

Accepted Answer

Over 4,000 psi in 4 hours, with the ultimate strength at 28 days of approximately 7,000 psi.

Question 9

Can Elephant Armor® be used for vertical or overhead repairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, EA is currently used extensively on bridge, tunnel, seawalls, and many other vertical and overhead repairs. Contact your local Elephant Armor® Representative for project specific details.

Question 10

What are the benefits of using Elephant Armor®?

Accepted Answer

EA eliminates the need for the full de-construction/re-construction process, realizing substantial labor & material savings. This also allows for a quick return to service.

Question 11

How long has Elephant Armor® been around?

Accepted Answer

Elephant Armor has been in development for over the last twenty-seven years, and has been commercially available since 2013.

Question 12

Is a special mixer required?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The ColloMix Xo55 Duo (available from your EA dealer) is mandated for mixing Elephant Armor, due to its high fiber content. The ColloMix Xo55 Duo provides the high shear required for a homogeneous mix.

Question 13

Do you mix Elephant Armor® the same way you mix other concrete products?

Accepted Answer

No, the amount of water required is very specific. You have to be consistent with your water measurements every time. For a 50 lb bag, you typically use between 5.5-6.5 qts. (5.2-6.2 liters) of clean water - no more. All of the water should be poured in at one time; the water does not need to be slowly mixed in. Elephant Armor recommends having one individual dedicated to the mixing of the material for larger projects, ensuring consistent color and material rheology. Two bags (100 lbs.) can be mixed in a GST EA 70 Quart Mixing Bucket in less than 90 seconds, realizing additional labor savings. Excessive water and/or over-working the material may cause the fibers to be exposed on the surface.

Question 14

Does Elephant Armor need to be "fluffed up" prior to mixing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, due to transportation and storage EA may become compacted. It’s recommended that the bag be "rolled" prior to placing material in the EA 70 Quart Mixing Bucket. Once the EA is in the bucket, prior to adding the water, dry mix (fluff) the EA using the ColloMix Xo55 Duo ensuring proper water integration.

Question 15

Do I need any special tools to place Elephant Armor®?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Unlike traditional concrete, you will need a GST International Texture Roller to properly spread Elephant Armor, and a GST International Squeegee Trowel for finishing. You can use standard industry cementing tools once the Elephant Armor has achieved initial set.

Question 16

What happens when you try to use a metal trowel instead of a Texture Roller to spread EA?

Accepted Answer

The metal trowel will "grab and pull" the material away from the repair, as opposed to the texture roller forcing the material into the repair, which ensures a proper bond.

Question 17

How much pressure do you need to spread out Elephant Armor using a Texture Roller?

Accepted Answer

Appropriate pressure of the GST Texture Roller will vary due to the flowability/workability of the Elephant Armor and the specific application.

Question 18

Are there additional considerations when working with Elephant Armor®?

Accepted Answer

Always have several extra 5-gallon buckets of water around your work station to keep your tools clean, as EA is fast setting. Immediately upon completion of mixing Elephant Armor, spin the ColloMix paddles in a bucket of water to clean them. Pump up spray bottles are also required: one with clean water and another with Ecobeton Vetrofluid. Approximately 2 hours after final placement, and the product achieves final set (lightens in color), it’s strongly recommended that you apply a light coat of Ecobeton Vetrofluid on the completed repair.

Question 19

What is the ideal size of a mixing container?

Accepted Answer

GST 70 qt. Mixing Buckets are ideal for mixing up to two bags at a time. The use of 5 gal. buckets, except when mixing less than half a bag, is not recommended.

Question 20

Can a Hippo mixer or 1/2" drill be used to mix Elephant Armor®?

Accepted Answer

No! The ColloMix Xo55 Duo (available from your EA dealer) is mandated for mixing Elephant Armor, due to its high fiber content. The ColloMix Xo55 Duo provides the high shear required for a homogeneous mix.

Question 21

What is the recommended practice for larger projects?

Accepted Answer

Larger jobs where you will be mixing multiple bags (or pallets) should have a crew of at least 5 people. Each person should have a dedicated task with at least 1 person dedicated to mixing EA, and at least two people focused on finishing. One person should be a floater and responsible for cleaning tools and supporting the rest of the crew.

Question 22

Do I need to use an Elephant Armor® Primer with Elephant Armor®?

Accepted Answer

Surfaces to be treated with Elephant Armor must be clean, sound and free from contaminants that can act as a bond breaker (such as oil, grease, dirt, curing compounds, acids, etc.). Once this is done you must prepare the damaged surface using one of the following methods before applying: 1. EA Primer Slurry Bond Coat: Serves to enhance bond strength. When mixed with 2 parts Elephant Armor to 1 part EA Primer, it provides easy application using a roller or stiff masonry brush. If there is exposed steel/rebar, apply a rust inhibitor first. Pay special attention to corners, sides, and exposed rebar. EA Primer can also be used NEAT (conforming to ASTM C 1059-13, Type II). However, whether NEAT or in a slurry, failure will occur as a bond-breaker if improperly used (over-applied/pooling or allowed to dry). Important! It is crucial that the slurry coat does NOT fully dry before placing the Elephant Armor. The wet and tacky nature helps retain moisture in the substrate, preventing premature drying. 2. Saturated Surface Dry (SSD): Common industry practice. The repair area must be clean and free of dust, debris, oil, and organic stains. Dampen the repair area and place the Elephant Armor. It is important that there is NO standing water or pooling prior to placement.

Question 23

What is Ecobeton® Vetrofluid and why should we use it?

Accepted Answer

Ecobeton® Vetrofluid is a formula of proprietary catalysts and selected silicates that penetrates existing concrete to depths of 1.5" on average and penetrates and permanently protects new concrete as a cure up to 3". Vetrofluid seals the pores of the concrete and becomes a permanent barrier when applied to either the positive or negative pressure side. 1. In cases where the area to be repaired is severely degraded, an application of Ecobeton® Vetrofluid should be applied to restore the stability and integrity of the substrate. Allow at least 72 hours for the Vetrofluid to cure prior to continuing the Elephant Armor repair. 2. After the Elephant Armor repair has fully cured a minimum of two hours, it is advisable to apply another light coat of Vetrofluid to enhance longevity by providing an extra layer of protection and strengthening the bond.

Question 24

Is Elephant Armor® an Exothermic Material?

Accepted Answer

Yes - What does that mean? Heat and sunlight will expedite the cure process. Can you slow down or speed up the curing process? Yes, colder water in the hot months will extend the working time and warmer water in the cold months will expedite the curing process. When used in volume (multiple bags), the EA will create a lot of heat and will cure (stiffen up) quickly.

Question 25

Can Elephant Armor® be stamped or broomed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Elephant Armor accepts all textures including stamped or broomed. A smooth finish with a GST Squeegee Trowel can also be achieved.

Question 26

What is the recommended thickness of overlays using Elephant Armor®?

Accepted Answer

Elephant Armor is highly structural at 1/4" to 1/2". For thicker overlays, consult your local EA representative.

Question 27

What is the recommended practice for "deep fill" (greater than 2")?

Accepted Answer

If a deep fill is required, the preferred method is to Fill and Cap the spall in at least two layers, with the final cap layer not to exceed 1/2" thick. Since EA will create heat in volume, it is extremely important to time when the final cap gets placed. If the volume has attained initial set and hasn’t created a lot of heat, the final cap can be placed immediately. If it has begun to create heat, it is critical to wait until the initial fill has fully set and cooled before placing the final cap. You don’t want to place the final cap on the initial EA fill if it is still creating heat, as it will "cook" the cap and make it impossible to finish properly.

Question 28

Can small spalls which exceed 2" in depth be filled in a single pass?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the area does not exceed 12" in diameter. For larger areas, the "fill and cap" method is recommended.

Question 29

Can Elephant Armor be placed over an existing Segmental Paver System?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Elephant Armor can absolutely be placed over an existing paver system, as long as the pavers have never been sealed. This proven two-step practice has been utilized in this type of application in the past. A highly flowable "wet fill" mix is poured to fill the chamfers of the pavers which will leave a smooth and level surface for placing the 1/4" overlay. This overlay will accept any standard concrete finish. The pavers don’t have to be grouted or mortar set as the initial "wet fill" will lock them down and tie them together.

Elephant Armor® Technical Knowledge Base

Material Science, PSI & Capabilities

Mixing Protocols, Ratios & Tooling Mandates

Substrate Prep, Primers & Vetrofluid Rules

Overlays, Deep Fills, Pavers & Temperature

Need Project-Specific Engineering Guidance?

Elephant Armor® Technical Knowledge Base

Material Science, PSI & Capabilities

01What is unique about GST International’s Elephant Armor®?

02How many square feet per 50lb bag does Elephant Armor® cover?

03Are Fiberglass Fibers used in Elephant Armor®?

04Can Elephant Armor® be stained?

05Can Elephant Armor® be polished?

06Can you use a grinder on cured Elephant Armor®?

07Can Elephant Armor® be used to make counter tops or water features?

08What is the PSI rating of Elephant Armor®?

09Can Elephant Armor® be used for vertical or overhead repairs?

10What are the benefits of using Elephant Armor®?

11How long has Elephant Armor® been around?

Mixing Protocols, Ratios & Tooling Mandates

12Is a special mixer required?

13Do you mix Elephant Armor® the same way you mix other concrete products?

14Does Elephant Armor need to be "fluffed up" prior to mixing?

15Do I need any special tools to place Elephant Armor®?

16What happens when you try to use a metal trowel instead of a Texture Roller to spread EA?

17How much pressure do you need to spread out Elephant Armor using a Texture Roller?

18Are there additional considerations when working with Elephant Armor®?

19What is the ideal size of a mixing container?

20Can a Hippo mixer or 1/2" drill be used to mix Elephant Armor®?

21What is the recommended practice for larger projects?

Substrate Prep, Primers & Vetrofluid Rules

22Do I need to use an Elephant Armor® Primer with Elephant Armor®?

23What is Ecobeton® Vetrofluid and why should we use it?

Overlays, Deep Fills, Pavers & Temperature

24Is Elephant Armor® an Exothermic Material?

25Can Elephant Armor® be stamped or broomed?

26What is the recommended thickness of overlays using Elephant Armor®?

27What is the recommended practice for "deep fill" (greater than 2")?

28Can small spalls which exceed 2" in depth be filled in a single pass?

29Can Elephant Armor be placed over an existing Segmental Paver System?

Need Project-Specific Engineering Guidance?