POLYMER IMPREGNATION OF NEW CONCRETE BRIDGE DECK SURFACE

The first full-scale polymer impregnation project in Maine was completed on a new I-95 Northbound bridge over Old Route 159 and Bangor & Aroostook Railroad in Island Falls in 1979. A work force comprised of State Bridge Maintenance and Materials & Research personnel performed the work since an experienced contractor in polymer systems was not available. The surface impregnation was successful in that the desired 3/4" impregnation depth was achieved. The new recommended procedures and specifications in the 1978 User's Manual (FHWA-RD-78-5) were followed. A system of heat blankets was selected instead of other drying methods normally utilizing enclosures. The application rate of catalyzed monomer to achieve the required depth of impregnation was found to be less than 5/8 lb/s.f. accompanied by a longer soaking period. The longer soaking period required was largely attributed to the low w/c ratio of 0.40 of the separate concrete wearing surface. This report includes discussions on the effects of weather, moisture content in the concrete, heating system, drying cycles effect on cracking of the deck surface, and bonded silica sand. The evaluation of the treatment was limited to determining relative permeability by subjecting 4-1/2" diameter cores to 90-day chloride ponding tests and determining the relative degree of active corrosion of the reinforcing steel by voltmeter survey for a period of one year. The additional cost of polymer impregnation to the bridge deck system was estimated to be approximately $30/s.y. This compares to an additional cost of $15/s.y. for a 1-1/4" latex wearing surface.

• Corporate Authors:

  Maine Department of Transportation

  Materials and Research Division, Box 1208, Hogan Road
  Bangor, ME  United States  04402

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Edgecomb, W C
• Publication Date: 1981-3

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 117 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Chlorides; Concrete; Corrosion tests; Drying; Fracture mechanics; Heating (Structures); Maintenance; Moisture content; Permeability; Polymer concrete; Reinforcing steel; Wearing course (Pavements); Weather
• Old TRIS Terms: Blanketing
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; I35: Miscellaneous Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00335482
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-ME-TP-81-2 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-9212
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Oct 28 1981 12:00AM