THERMAL COMPATIBILITY OF THIN POLYMER-CONCRETE OVERLAYS

Thin polymer-concrete overlays that provide low permeability and high skid resistance can be installed on bridge decks with minimal disruption to traffic and at about one-half the cost of alternative service-life-extending measures such as portland cement concrete overlays. Unfortunately, laboratory tests have indicated that the temperature changes to which bridge decks are typically subjected are sufficient to cause deterioration and eventual failure of the overlays placed in Virginia. The deterioration is caused by the development of stress in the bond between the concrete and overlay that results from differences in the moduli of elasticity and the coefficients of thermal expansion of the two materials. Thermally induced cracks have been noted in the overlay, the base concrete, and the bond interface--a majority of them in the medium least able to withstand the stress. Cracks in the overlay increase its permeability, and cracks in the base concrete or the bond interface lead to delamination of the overlays. It is estimated that a properly installed overlay prepared with either of the two polyester resins tested to date in Virginia will have a useful service life of at least five years, which, considering its ease of application, may be acceptable for bridges where it is difficult to close a lane to make a more permanent repair. A longer service life should be possible if more flexible resins are developed. (Author)

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1983/899/899-009.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=THERMAL+COMPATIBILITY+OF+THIN+POLYMER-CONCRETE+OVERLAYS&author=M.+Sprinkel&publication_year=1983
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309035139
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Adhesives, Bonding Agents and Their Uses. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Sprinkel, Michael M
• Publication Date: 1983

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 64-73
• Monograph Title: Bridge inspection and rehabilitation
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 899
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bonding; Bridge decks; Compactibility; Fracture mechanics; Overlays (Pavements); Permeability; Polyester resins; Polymer concrete; Service life; Skid resistance; Stresses; Thermal properties
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00376896
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309035139
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Aug 30 1983 12:00AM