Late Life Low Cost Deck Overlays

U.S. Transportation Collection2020PDFTech ReportElBatanouny, Mohamed K.Pham, Le T.Hawkins, Kathleen AKrauss, Paul D.Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.Iowa Highway Research BoardIowa. Department of TransportationIowa Highway Research BoardIowaUnited StatesAlternatives analysisBenefit cost analysisBridge decksCost effectivenessLiterature reviewsOverlays (Pavements)RecommendationsService lifeBridgesDeckLate life overlaysLow costTR-775TR-775Final Report (May 2019-March 2020)Low-slump dense concrete overlays (LSDC) are typically used by the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) to provide long-term performance. However, due to their relatively high costs and long curing, LSDC overlays may not be the optimal solution for late-life bridge decks that require a short service life extension prior to replacement. A literature review and cost-benefit analysis were conducted to identify potential late-life overlays that are less expensive and have a smaller traffic impact than the LSDC overlay. Federal and state research on overlays and the standards of eleven states in the Midwest and three additional states (California, New York, and Virginia) were reviewed. Seven types of overlays were selected for comparison to the LSDC overlay as follows: very early strength latex-modified concrete (LMCVE), premixed polymer concrete overlays (PPCO), thin polymer, hot-mixed asphalt (HMA) overlays, polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) overlays, and HMA overlays with waterproofing membranes (WPM). Reinforced asphalt overlays were also identified as potential late-life overlays, but due to lack of data and literature, could not be included in the analysis. A reduced construction procedure that does not require partial-depth repairs was also considered in addition to the standard procedure used by the Iowa DOT. Results of the analysis show that all of the overlays investigated can reduce the traffic closures by half the time and several overlay-construction procedure combinations can significantly reduce the cost compared with the LSDC overlay. Recommendations for selecting the optimal late life overlays based on the targeted remaining service life were presented in terms of a decision making table that classifies the different options based on cost, traffic closure times, and expected service life. Field studies are recommended to verify the benefits of and service life associated with the reduced construction procedure discussed in this study. Additionally, it is recommended that a more refined cost-benefit analysis be conducted for bridges with varying deck conditions and service life requirements to confirm the general applicability of the results of this study.105