Title: Thin-Bonded Polymer Concrete Overlays for Exposed Concrete Bridge Deck Protection and Maintenance

Author(s): David White and Richard Montani

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 169

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 99-106

Keywords: Abrasion resistance; absorption; bridge decks; chlorides; epoxy resins; permeability; polymers; resurfacing

DOI: 10.14359/5933

Date: 5/1/1997

Abstract:
The use of concrete-polymer materials for bridge deck rehabilitation has been increasing in the United States since the 1970’~“~. As demands on worldwide transportation increase, the need for improved methods of rehabilitation and maintenance of bridges continues to grow. At the same time, more than 40% of the 500,000 highway bridges in the United States are now classified as structurally or functionally deficient3. This crumbling of the nation’s infrastructure has allowed cost-effective, alternative methods to be utilized, extending the life span on many of these bridges. Various polymer concretes have been used as overlay materials since the 1950’s. Project requirements, as well as product limitations have changed considerably over this time as improvements are continually made to the process. Recommendations are made to improve project specifications in the following areas: tensile elongation, abrasion resistance, water absorption, chloride ion permeability, and quality standards.