Crack Sealing and Repair of Older Serviceable Bridges Using Polymer Sealers

800196PDFResearch PaperFHWA-KS-98-4, ,Final ReportCrack and seat treatmentSealing compoundsReinforced concrete bridgesField testsChloride contentCorrosion resistanceKansasMeggers, David A.Kansas. Dept. of TransportationUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-Bridges and StructuresNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-Construction and MaintenanceNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-MaterialsNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-Pavement Management and PerformanceUS Transportation CollectionThe objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of using High Molecular Weight Methacrylate (HMWM) and Epoxy Healer Sealers for crack sealing and repair of older serviceable bridges. The study included the field application of two HMWM materials and one Epoxy material to eight bridges throughout Kansas. The field application of the materials was performed in 1992 and the field testing was completed in 1995. Each treated bridge deck also included an untreated control section. Laboratory testing was performed and included the two HMWM materials and one Epoxy material applied in the field and an additional HMWM material that was not tested in the field. A control set of untreated beams was also included in the laboratory testing. Laboratory tests included wet/dry, freeze/thaw, and salt ponding and were completed in 1995. The results of the field portion of the study were inconclusive. Chloride concentration levels of the sealed sections and the control sections were inconsistent. However, the results of the laboratory tests on the three sealers tested in the field, plus the additional sealer added for later evaluation, indicated a definite difference in the performance of the four sealers. The results of the study indicated that the sealer must be properly applied shortly after the cracks are formed to maximize the penetration and protection of the structure. Attempts should be made to clean the cracks before application of the sealers. The optimum sealer would be one with a relatively low viscosity, 0.5 pascal second or less, tensile elongation of 10% or more and a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa