Title:
Performance Evaluation of Silane in Concrete Bridge Decks Using Transmission X-ray Microscopy
Author(s):
Amir Behravan
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F25_AmirBehraven.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/26/2025
Abstract:
Corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete is a widespread issue. Silane is commonly used as a surface treatment to limit moisture and chemical ingress, but its long-term effectiveness remains uncertain due to the lack of standardized testing. A state DOT requested an evaluation after failures in silane-treated structures. Transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM) and optical imaging were used to assess mass transport properties and silane thickness in field samples. Optical staining revealed an average silane thickness of 2.5 mm across 14 projects, while TXM analysis showed an 8.5-fold reduction in contaminant penetration at a 2 mm depth compared to untreated concrete. This study demonstrates silane’s effectiveness in reducing permeability and corrosion risk, offering valuable insights for DOTs in selecting protective treatments for concrete infrastructure.