GST International

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’. Elephant Armor® is highly resistant to de-icing salts and freeze/thaw. Elephant Armor® prevents propagation of existing cracks through the surface. Elephant Armor® contains a patented low embodied energy high cementitious formulation, a green technology that reduces our carbon footprint through resource conservation and reduced landfill waste.

FAQs are a great way to help site visitors find quick answers to common questions about your business and create a better navigation experience.When using a GST Texture Roller (looped roller), with specially developed GST ¼” Cap Gauges, a 50lb. bag will cover approx. 22 sq. ft. Using ½” gauges with the GST Texture Roller, that number goes down to 11 sq. ft. per bag. Total yield per bag of EA is ½ cubic foot.

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 product will create a lot of heat and will cure (stiffens up) quickly.

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 the Elephant Armor®: 1. EA Primer Slurry Bond Coat: The EA Primer/Slurry bond coat serves to enhance the bond strength between the damaged substrate and the Elephant Armor® repair material. The slurry coat, when mixed with 2 parts Elephant Armor® to 1 part EA Primer, provides for easy application on the damaged substrate using a roller or stiff masonry brush. If there is any exposed steel or rebar, apply a rust inhibitor first. Pay special attention to the corners, sides and any exposed rebar. Elephant Armor® Primer can also be used in a NEAT application. This application conforms to the structural bonding requirements of ASTM C 1059-13, Type II. However, whether Elephant Armor® Primer is NEAT or in a slurry application, failure will occur in the form of a bond-breaker if in either application the EA Primer is improperly used, for example 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 of the slurry coat helps retain moisture in the substrate, preventing premature drying and ensuring a favorable environment for the bond to develop. More information on EA Primer Slurry Bond Coat® 2. Saturated Surface Dry (SSD): SSD is a common practice in the concrete repair industry and may also be used with Elephant Armor®, however there are certain considerations that should be kept in mind. The repair area must be clean and free of all dust, debris, oil and organic stains. Dampen the repair area and place the Elephant Armor® using the appropriate tools and finishing techniques specific to the job. It is important that there is no standing water or pooling on the repair area prior to placement of the Elephant Armor®. See more information on SSD.

Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) is a term used in the field of concrete construction to describe a specific moisture condition of a concrete surface. SSD refers to a state in which the surface of concrete is moist, but not saturated, and does not have any standing water on it. When applying a concrete overlay to an existing concrete surface, ensuring proper bonding between the overlay and the substrate is crucial for long-term performance. SSD conditions play a significant role in achieving this bond. Here's how it improves bonding: 1.⁠ ⁠Moisture balance: SSD helps establish a moisture equilibrium between the overlay and the existing concrete surface. This balance ensures that both materials have a similar moisture content, which is essential for the overlay to bond effectively. 2.⁠ ⁠Reduced water competition: When the existing concrete surface is dry, it can rapidly absorb water from the overlay mix, leading to premature drying and reduced bonding. By saturating the surface and allowing it to reach an SSD condition, the potential for water competition is minimized. This allows the overlay to retain sufficient moisture needed for proper hydration and bonding. 3.⁠ ⁠Enhanced interfacial contact: A moist surface promotes better contact and adhesion between the overlay and the existing concrete. The presence of moisture can facilitate the formation of chemical bonds and interlocking between the two layers, improving the overall strength and durability of the bond. 4.⁠ ⁠Reduced surface porosity: SSD conditions help reduce the surface porosity of the existing concrete, limiting the absorption of water from the overlay. This mitigates the risk of excessive water loss or plastic shrinkage cracks in the overlay, which can weaken the bond. To achieve SSD conditions, the existing concrete surface is typically saturated with water and allowed to reach a state where the surface appears damp but does not have any standing water. This can be accomplished through various methods, such as wetting the surface with a misting spray, using wet burlap or polyethylene sheets, or employing other moisture-retaining techniques. By optimizing the moisture condition through SSD, the bonding between the concrete overlay and the existing surface is enhanced, leading to a more reliable and durable composite structure.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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. The exact measurement of water allows for an efficient mixing process. Two bags of Elephant Armor® (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.

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. Watch our EA Mixing Video.

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 sheer required for a homogeneous mix.

Always have several extra 5-gallon buckets of water around your work station to keep your tools clean, as Elephant Armor® 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. Read more about Ecobeton® Vetrofluid®.

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 metal trowels to finish off the product.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.

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.

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

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

Over 4000 psi in 4 hours, with the ultimate strength at 28 days of approximately 7000 psi.

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

Yes, Elephant Armor® 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.

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.

Elephant Armor® has been in development for over thirty years, and has been commercially available since 2013.

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

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 sheer required for a homogeneous mix.

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.

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

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 the 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.