Bridge Deck Repair Techniques

004881671983PDFResearch PaperAK-RD-83-35Bridge decksCathodic protectionHighway bridgesLatex modified concreteBridge management systemsHighwaysMaintenance and PreservationI61: Equipment and Maintenance MethodsAlaskaUnited StatesAlaska. Dept. of Transportation and Public FacilitiesPowers, SteveTilman, ClydeAlaska. Dept. of Transportation and Public FacilitiesUS Transportation CollectionThe purpose of this project was to analyze four bridge decks in the Fairbanks area that required repairs due to corrosion and to make the necessary repairs. The Illinois Street, Minnie Street, and Wendell Street bridges were repaired during the 1982 construction season, and the Cushman Street bridge will be refurbished this summer (1983). Two repair techniques were utilized for these bridge decks. The Illinois Street and Minnie Street bridges were overlaid with latex-modified concrete. The Cushman Street bridge will also be overlaid with latex-modified concrete. The Wendell Street deck, in addition to being overlaid with latex-modified concrete, has a cathodic protection system. Both methods required the removal of all delaminated concrete. The corroded reinforcing steel rust was either cleaned or replaced. The latex-modified concrete overlay acts as a membrane that should reduce further intrusion of chloride from deicing salts and water, thereby slowing down the corrosion process. The cathodic protection system being used in conjunction with the latex-modified concrete overlay is designed to halt corrosion. The system functions by supplying direct current in the proper direction so that the corroding anodes on the steel are prevented from discharging ions, thus stopping corrosion. The merits of each technique are being evaluated with regard to cost effectiveness and ability to halt corrosion.78