Author: Temple R. Kennedy

Publisher:

Published: 1978

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13:

With the continued use of deicing salts coupled with the small amount of cover constructed over the top mat of steel in many bridge decks badly deteriorated concrete bridge decks are becoming an increasing problem. To prevent this in the future on structures being constructed now, some means of positively sealing the surface of the concrete deck against the intrusion of moisture and deicing salts is needed. Linseed oil treatments and asphalt seal coats are not 100% effective and improved methods are needed. Researchers under cooperative research study 3-9-71-114, Concrete-Polymer Materials for Highway Application, developed in the laboratory and field tested a method of "polymer impregnating" concrete bridge decks. This report describes in detail the method of polymer impregnating a new 64'8"x751' bridge deck at Big Spring, Texas. A drying method using gas fired infrared radiant heaters for drying the deck and polymerizing the monomer system was developed by the contractor. This method did not require an insulated enclosure, provided uniform heat on the deck and was considered to be an efficient economical construction method. The impregnation depths achieved were generally the 1/2"--5/8" range.