Long-term Performance of Polymer Concrete for Bridge Decks


Book Description

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 423: Long-Term Performance of Polymer Concrete for Bridge Decks addresses a number of topics related to thin polymer overlays (TPOs). Those topics include previous research, specifications, and procedures on TPOs; performance of TPOs based on field applications; the primary factors that influence TPO performance; current construction guidelines for TPOs related to surface preparation, mixing and placement, consolidation, finishing, and curing; repair procedures; factors that influence the performance of overlays, including life-cycle cost, benefits and costs, bridge deck condition, service life extension, and performance; and successes and failures of TPOs, including reasons for both.







Premixed Polymer Concrete Overlays


Book Description

The results of a study undertaken to evaluate premixed polymer concrete overlays (PMPCO) over a 3-year period are presented. The PMPCO evaluated were constructed with polyester amide para resin and silica sand 1;. polyester styrene resin 1 and silica sand 2; polyester styrene resin 2, basalt aggregate and coke breeze (for conductivity); polyester styrene resin 2, silica sand 3 and coke breeze; and vinyl ester styrene resin, silica sand 2, and coke breeze. The mixing of the ingredients was done with either portable concrete mixers, mortar mixers, or a continuous batching mobile concrete mixer. The overlays were struck off and consolidated with a vibrating screed or a slip form paver. The report indicates that a nonconductive PMPCO with high bond strength, low permeability, and high skid resistance can be successfully installed by a contractor and opened to traffic after only three hours of curing. The report indicates that a conductive PMPCO with high bond strength and skid resistance can be successfully installed as a secondary anode for a cathodic protection system. Also, it is shown that the special provision for a PMPCO should require the installation of test patches or test sections of overlay prior to placing the final overlay to assure that the surface preparation is adequate and the mixing, installation equipment, procedures, and materials will provide a satisfactory overlay.




FHWA Publications


Book Description