Assessment of the BDM Waterproofing Membrane System

Details

• Creators:
  Anderson, Ian A.
• Corporate Creators:
  Vermont. Agency of Transportation. Research Section
• Corporate Contributors:
  United States. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Bridge Decks Bridge Preservation Durability Impervious Membranes Polyurethane Resins Preservation Spray Membrane Waterproofing Materials
• Publication/ Report Number:
  2019-07
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States;Vermont
• Edition:
  Final (2011-2017)
• Corporate Publisher:
  Vermont Agency of Transportation
• Abstract:
  Concrete bridge deck deterioration is one of the most extensive bridge maintenance problems affecting service life. Moisture and chloride intrusion can accelerate concrete bridge deck distress. Waterproofing membranes, when applied properly, extend the life of the bridge decks delaying the need for rehabilitation. They do this by preventing the penetration of chloride ions and other corrosives that ultimately lead to deterioration of the reinforcing steel and concrete. However, the waterproofing membranes can be difficult to apply and may be punctured or damaged during the construction process. Damaged areas readily allow for the penetration of contaminants, which are not easily expelled as they become trapped below the membrane. Additionally, bridge membranes, like all materials, age and need replacement, a process that requires specialized equipment and skill to remove the bituminous concrete pavement and underlying membrane without causing damage to the underlying concrete bridge deck. Overall, anecdotal evidence suggests varying degrees of success with respect to application, durability, and overall effectiveness. Bridge membranes may be comprised of various materials, each with unique characteristics including method of application, bond strength, compressibility, and tensile strength. This study used a spray-on polyurethane membrane waterproofing system produced by Bridge Preservation LLC called Bridge Deck Membrane (BDM). Annual site visits show no evidence of deterioration or membrane penetration. Thus far, the BDM system has performed as expected, and with little issue.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  RSCH-352
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:3ca3a787c6644286d64ef360a6f1eb534502ee2cbf939c204bc2cf723aea0315fee7291c3dd6b0513dbcd05e1e21b6c384bf2c88dcde783b6fdcd6980a4cddf0
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/40055/dot_40055_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 3.94 MB ]