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volume 2—final results and recommendations.
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2016-07-01
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[PDF-31.79 MB]
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Abstract:The deterioration of bridge decks has been identified as a major problem in Indiana. The primary cause of this deterioration is salt water
ingress from the application of deicing salts during the winter. Deicing chemicals placed on the road mix with water and enter the deck
through cracks and the pore structure of the concrete. This results in corrosion of the reinforcing steel and scaling of the surface, which
leads to a shortened bridge deck life and costly deck replacement. The objective of this study is to investigate potentially effective and
economic bridge deck preservation methods to significantly extend the service life of bridge decks, and as a result, extend the life of
bridge structures in the State of Indiana. The research is presented in two volumes. Volume 1 focuses on the development and
implementation of the experimental program. A survey of State Departments of Transportation identified the types of bridge deck
preservation programs that are currently in use, the methods that they have employed in the past, and the perceived level of success
with these programs and methods. A literature review provided information regarding specific products that performed well,
characteristics of broader chemical families and their best uses, and other variables that may influence the effectiveness of sealers. The
results of the DOT survey and literature review were used to determine the materials and methods to be further investigated in the
experimental study. Based on this background, a series of macrocell specimens were constructed, and a salt water exposure regimen was
initiated to examine the effectiveness of deck/crack sealer materials and application methods that were identified. Volume 2 presents
the results of this study which were developed through the analysis of the recorded electrical activity after 1600 days of exposure
followed by autopsy of the specimens. A visual rating scheme was used to assess the specimens during autopsy and to demonstrate the
correspondence between the observed severity of corrosion and the recorded electrical activity. In addition, a deck sealer was applied to
specimens with preexisting corrosion to evaluate the sealer's effectiveness in slowing the rate of corrosion. The deck sealer products
were studied further by correlating both the sealer penetration depth and the chloride penetration profile with the products'
effectiveness in resisting corrosion activity. A preliminary field application of crack sealer to an existing bridge deck was completed to
evaluate processes, equipment, and other required resources. Finally, recommendations are provided regarding product selection and
application to enable cost effective implementation of a bridge deck sealing program across the State of Indiana.
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