DEEP POLYMER IMPREGNATION OF A BRIDGE DECK USING THE GROOVING TECHNIQUE. FINAL REPORT

This project was intended to demonstrate the feasibility of commercial application of deep polymer impregnation to entire bridge deck areas. A special grooving technique previously developed by the researchers was employed. Grooves were cut in the deck using a diamond saw to contain the liquid monomer impregnant. The grooves are cut along lines of constant elevation so that all of the impregnant is contained at constant depth in the grooves. Since the impregnation takes place at the sides and bottoms of the grooves, the time required to impregnate the concrete to a given depth is very significantly reduced over that needed for surface ponding. The field trial was carried out in May-June 1985 on a 44-foot-wide by 131-foot-long bridge deck near Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, by a construction contractor who had had no prior experience with the method or the materials used. Drying was accomplished by means of gas-fired infrared heaters, and polymerization by means of a 30000-gallon pond on the deck surface, heated by live steam, injection. Groove backfilling was done with latex-modified mortar. The depth of impregnation achieved, as measured from core specimens removed from the deck, was in the design range of 3 to 4 inches. It appears that the only impediment to general field implementation of the process is the high first cost resulting from the specialized equipment required. A moderate commitment to the use of the process can reduce the equipment amortization costs to acceptable levels.

• Corporate Authors:

  Pennsylvania State University, University Park

  Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, Transportation Research Building
  University Park, PA  United States  16802

  Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

  Office of Research and Special Studies, P.O. Box 2926
  Harrisburg, PA  United States  17120

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Cady, P D
  • Weyers, R E
• Publication Date: 1986-2

Media Info

• Pagination: 161 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Concrete; Costs; Depth; Field tests; Impregnation (Engineering); Polymers
• Old TRIS Terms: Polymer impregnation
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Finance; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00457016
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-PA-85-014, PTI 8518
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 27 2004 9:38PM