Evaluation of Thin Polymer Overlays for Bridge Decks

Deterioration of concrete bridge decks is a major maintenance concern particularly in the northern snow-belt regions where deicing salt is used to maintain traffic during winter months. Overlays and sealers have long been utilized in protection and repair strategies for bridge decks. Polymer overlays are used on decks to reduce the penetration of chloride ions (and the resulting corrosion) and to improve skid resistance (increase friction). Because of their small thicknesses (generally 0.25 to 0.75 in), polymer overlays impose less additional dead weight and can be applied more rapidly compared to other types of overlay. The objectives of this research project were to explore the effectiveness and durability of thin polymer overlays with respect to restoring and protecting bridge decks, improving safety, and extending service life; to assess and compare performance of selected thin polymer overlay systems under laboratory test conditions; and to suggest appropriate bridge deck maintenance strategies related to this research. An experimental research program was performed to study and compare the performance of nine different overlay systems. Reinforced concrete slab specimens were subjected to accelerated corrosion, freeze-thaw cycling, heat/ultraviolet/rain cycles, and tire wear tests (including “snow plow” application). The overlay system with an epoxy resin and flint rock aggregate provided the best overall performance based on performance indices determined for friction coefficient, corrosion mass loss, pull-out strength and surface deformation (rut) due to tire passage. The polyester multi-lift overlay system delaminated from the concrete surface in all nine specimens utilizing that overlay type. The addition of polymer overlays does not significantly reduce corrosion mass loss in bridge decks with high levels of chloride contamination. Recommended guidelines for maintenance of bridge decks are provided.

• Record URL:
  http://wisconsindot.gov/documents2/research/12-06-2nd-final-report.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Milwaukee, WI  United States  53201-0784

  University of Wisconsin, Madison

  Wisconsin Highway Research Program, 1415 Engineering Drive
  Madison, WI  United States  53706

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  Division of Business Management, Research and Library Unit
  4802 Sheboygan Avenue
  Madison, WI  United States  53707

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Tabatabai, Habib
  • Sobolev, Konstantin
  • Ghorbanpoor, Al
  • Nabizadeh, Azam
  • Lee, Chin-Wei
  • Lind, Matthias
• Publication Date: 2016-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 101p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Bridge decks; Corrosion; Durability; Evaluation; Freeze thaw tests; Guidelines; Laboratory tests; Overlays (Pavements); Polymers; Reinforced concrete pavements; Rutting; Service life
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01626820
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: 0092-12-06
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 27 2017 9:26AM