Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the condition of polyester polymer concrete (PPC) overlays placed on both new and in-service concrete bridge decks in Utah. The procedures for this research included a desktop review of 80 bridges with PPC deck overlays; scanning of nine decks using rapid automated sounding and advanced deck imaging technologies to document delamination, cracking, spalling, and patching; and additional testing of two decks. This research involved evaluations of PPC overlays that were 2 to 8 years old and bridges that were 4 to 40 years old at the time of testing. The primary distresses observed on the tested bridges include delamination and cracking. The possible causes of delamination include joint construction and/or performance issues, continuing corrosion of the reinforcing steel within the deck after PPC overlay placement, and degradation of patches that were placed before the PPC overlay. The possible causes of cracking include reflections of cracks or other defects that were present before overlay placement and continuing corrosion of the reinforcing steel within the deck. Remarkably, all of the PPC overlays evaluated in this research had negligible spalling and patching, even for decks that exhibited comparatively high percentages of patching at the time of the overlay, continuing corrosion of the reinforcing steel within the deck after PPC overlay placement, and comparatively high percentages of delamination after several years of service. Several recommendations were developed based on the findings of this research. Overall, the data support the continuing use of PPC deck overlays in Utah, and long-term monitoring of these overlays is recommended to provide more information about PPC performance and enable optimization of the use of PPC overlays in bridge deck management.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering; Civil and Construction Engineering

Rights

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