EVALUATION OF BRIDGE DECK PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS. FINAL REPORT

The combined results of two studies designed to determine the cost-effectiveness of several alternate bridge deck protective systems are presented. A total of 15 installations were evaluated including nine waterproofing membranes (with bituminous overlays), three latex modified concrete overlays, one low-slump/high-density concrete overlay and two penetrating sealers (one system). The time-in-service of these installations ranges from about 4 to 14 years. The study findings indicate that all of the systems, wtih the exception of the concrete sealer, are viable restoration methods that can be used to extend the life of a lightly to moderately deteriorated deck an estimated 10 to 15 years. The performance of the sealer was unsatisfactory since it did not provide the expected protection against water and chloride intrusion. Life-cycle costing techniques were used to determine the economic benefit to the Department when employing either of the systems to delay complete deck replacement for varying periods of time. Recommendations for future use of these systems and cathodic protection, a potentially viable alternate, are presented.

• Corporate Authors:

  New Jersey Department of Transportation

  1035 Parkway Avenue
  Trenton, NJ  United States  08625

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Younger, C L
• Publication Date: 1989-7

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 70 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bituminous overlays; Bridge decks; Cathodic protection; Concrete; Cost effectiveness; Densification; Economic benefits; Latex modified concrete; Life cycle analysis; Life cycle costing; Pavement overlays; Recommendations; Sealing compounds; Slump test; Waterproofing
• Uncontrolled Terms: Restoration
• Subject Areas: Economics; Finance; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Research; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00496634
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/NJ-86-018-7799, Rept 86-018-7799
• Contract Numbers: Study 7799
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 31 1990 12:00AM