Evaluation of Thin Polymer Overlays for Bridge Decks
Polymer overlays consist of polymer resins and aggregates and are used on bridge decks to extend service life by providing waterproofing and chloride penetration resistance and restoring surface friction. High friction surface treatments (HFSTs) are a specific type of polymer overlay intended to provide long-term skid resistance by using aggregates with increased abrasion resistance. This study investigates the performance of HFSTs in Montana to address Montana Department of Transportation concerns regarding their durability and cost-effectiveness. The objective of this research was to assess the factors that influence the long-term friction resistance and durability of polymer overlays, particularly HFSTs, in Montana. The study included a literature review of recent studies on thin polymer overlays and bridge HFSTs, a survey of the experiences of select transportation agencies across North America with polymer overlays, a field investigation in which the condition of HFSTs on select bridge decks across Montana was monitored over a period of three years, and laboratory work to supplement the field investigation and its findings. The study found that the HFSTs investigated are generally of good quality, had adequate installation practices, and have provided at least 5 years of satisfactory performance. The HFSTs demonstrated sufficient bond and excellent electrical resistance after up to 5 years of service and adequate skid resistance after up to 8 years of service. Defects observed in the HFSTs included reflective cracking, often around prior deck patch perimeters, likely due to the use of patch materials with relatively poor thermal compatibility or high shrinkage; reflective transverse cracking in the HFSTs that appeared to increase with time; wear of the HFST particularly in the wheel paths of the driving lanes, in the form of surface aggregate fracturing and loss of aggregate; and minor loss of the HFSTs at the approach joints likely due to snowplow abrasion and traffic impact.
- Record URL:
- Record URL:
- Record URL:
- Summary URL:
- Summary URL:
- Summary URL:
- Summary URL:
- Summary URL:
- Record URL:
-
Supplemental Notes:
- Appendices A-H are available at the provided URL.
-
Corporate Authors:
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Incorporated
330 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL United States 60062Montana Department of Transportation
2701 Prospect Avenue
P.O. Box 201001
Helena, MT United States 59620-1001Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Authors:
- Krauss, Paul D
- 0000-0002-0107-6256
- Hawkins, Kathleen A
- 0000-0001-8447-987X
- Publication Date: 2023-12
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Edition: Final Report
- Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 172p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Concrete overlays; Friction; Polymer concrete; Skid resistance; Surface treating
- Identifier Terms: Montana Department of Transportation
- Geographic Terms: Montana
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01913000
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/MT-23-006/9757-705
- Contract Numbers: WJE No. 2019.5465; MDT Project # 9757-705
- Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Mar 25 2024 9:55AM