Functionality and durability of anti - graffiti - systems on concrete

¹ University of Rostock, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6, 18059 Rostock, Germany
² Hochschule Wismar University of Applied Sciences Technology, Business and Design, Faculty of Engineering, Philipp-Müller-Straße 14, 23966 Wismar, Germany

^* Corresponding author: sandra.jaentsch@uni-rostock.de / sandra.jaentsch@hs-wismar.de

Abstract

Property damage and vandalism through illegal graffiti can be found worldwide. As graffiti increased, so did the interest in proper removal and the possibilities of a high-quality protection system. Anti- graffiti systems (AGS) can be used to protect objects and buildings from damage caused by graffiti. At present, AGS is still recommended for use in unspecified areas for plastics, metal, wood, brick, concrete and natural stone. In practice, it has turned out that no AGS is suitable for all surfaces. A specific reference to surface quality and properties is missing. For graffiti protection, however, the surface properties are of particular importance. They influence the liability of the AGS on the one hand and the removability of the graffiti on the other. This study is intended to demonstrate the extent to which concrete types and surfaces influence the functionality and durability of permanent AGS. This paper presents first results of practical tests on 180 concrete test specimens after currently one year of outdoor weathering. The results from three years of weathering are to be used to conclude the study for the development of an evaluation concept. Matching surfaces and AGS, with focus on the surface properties should be defined.