FIELD PERFORMANCE OF DEEP POLYMER IMPREGNATION

A test installation of deep polymer impregnation was applied to an 8-yr old, heavily traveled bridge deck in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1975. While no surface spalls existed, the chloride contents at the level of the top reinforcing mat exceeded the corrosion threshold values. The deep polymer impregnation process involved drying the concrete, impregnating it to a depth of 7.6-10.2 cm (3-4 in.) with a catalyzed acrylic monomer, and thermally polymerizing the monomer. Detailed field and laboratory examination after 9-yr service revealed excellent performance from the impregnated concrete. Fracture planes and spalls were absent, whereas adjacent untreated areas were highly damaged. Surface wear was reduced by 65%. Half-cell corrosion potentials revealed active reinforcement corrosion outside the test area, but not within. Chloride contents were significantly lower in the test area. Pre-existing corrosion cells within the test area were arrested.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/8674831
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Cady, P D
  • Weyers, R E
  • Manson, J A
• Publication Date: 1987-1

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 1-14
• Serial:
  • Journal of Transportation Engineering
  • Volume: 113
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-947X
  • Serial URL: https://ascelibrary.org/journal/jtepbs

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acrylic resins; Bridge decks; Chloride content; Concrete; Corrosion; Impregnated materials; Monomers; Performance; Polymers; Spalling
• Uncontrolled Terms: Field performance
• Old TRIS Terms: Polymer impregnation
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; I35: Miscellaneous Materials; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00462374
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ASCE Paper 21143
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 28 1987 12:00AM