BRIDGE DECK REPAIRS

The findings are presented of the preliminary field survey stage of a study designed to determine the relative effectiveness of the various repair methods in arresting corrosion of the reinforcing steel, and whether some of these methods could actually aggrevate the corrosion problem. This effort reviews the causes of deck deterioration, and analyzes the preventive and remedial solutions that have been applied to the problem. Primary attention was directed to the problem of delamination and spalling of concrete bridge decks due to salt-accelerated corrosion of the reinforcing steel. The survey indicates a great diversity in bridge deck repair practices. Methods for evaluating the condition of concrete bridge decks include electrical potential measurements, delamination detection, chloride analysis, nondestructive measurements of concrete and construction, and visual assessments. The bridge deck repair and rehabilitation rationale (responsibility for monitoring, decision-making related to optimum repair, etc.) are detailed. An FHWA classification which includes 3 categories that reflect deck condition is outlined, and temporary, permanent and replacement methods are briefly discussed. Repairs involving placement of cold-mix AC in spall-holes is the most commonly used. More permanent repairs involve a number of factors including removal of deteriorated concrete, removal of corrosion product, application of bonding agent, and placement of repair material plus overlay or membrane. Comments are made regarding overlay materials and the depth and extent of removal of unsound or chloride contaminated concrete.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rrd_85.pdf
• Supplemental Notes:
  • 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.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Publication Date: 1976-3

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 22 p.
• Serial:
  • NCHRP Research Results Digest
  • Issue Number: 85
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Chemical analysis; Chlorides; Concrete bridges; Corrosion; Corrosion protection; Delamination; Electric potential; Nondestructive tests; Pavement overlays; Reinforcing steel; Repairing; Salts; Spalling
• Uncontrolled Terms: Repairs; Replacing; Temporary; Visual search
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00133991
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jun 5 1976 12:00AM