The protection effectiveness of waterproof membrane systems on bridge decks in Louisiana : final report.

Details

• Creators:
  Ross, Joseph E. ; Law, Sheldon M.
• Corporate Creators:
  Louisiana. Department of Highways. Research and Development Section
• Corporate Contributors:
  United States. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Bridge Decks Concrete Deicing Electrical Resistivity Field Tests Laboratory Tests Membranes Waterproofing Waterproofing Materials
• Publication/ Report Number:
  Research Report No. FHWA-LA-78-121
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  Louisiana
• Corporate Publisher:
  Louisiana. Department of Highways. Research and Development Section
• Abstract:
  The effects of de-icing salts on concrete and reinforcing steel is well documented, and efficient methods of protection from the penetrating chloride ions have long been sought. Concrete bridge decks need the protection, and waterproofing the concrete appeared to be a possible answer to this problem. With the development of waterproof membrane systems, it was felt that an efficient means of protection was obtainable.
  
  The aim of this research study was to evaluate the effectiveness of certain concrete bridge deck waterproofing membranes under conditions that prevail in Louisiana. This research study included research evaluation of experimental installations on an exit ramp and a bridge on the interstate highway in North Louisiana, in addition to laboratory evaluations of the membrane systems.
  
  Laboratory evaluations included various tests (tension test, bend test, heat-aged bend test and electrical resistance test) which subjected these waterproofing membrane systems to varying conditions to check their acceptabitility. Field evaluations included visual observations and electrical resistivity tests. Installation procedures were monitored closely and a diary was kept of all activity.
  
  The primary conclusion reached herein was that, using the electrical resistivity as the chief test for waterproofing ability, all the membrane systems evaluated in the field failed to achieve total impermeability of the concrete bridge deck. The primary recommendation of this research report is that the State of Louisiana not accept the concrete bridge deck membrane systems for use as waterproofing materials.
  
  
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  Research Project No. 75-2C
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha256:42c0af71fbe53e02d258fdadef3379de26f74b27c6600724f4f99176322fa3bf
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/21966/dot_21966_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 8.27 MB ]