Ebook: Long-Term Performance of Polymer Concrete for Bridge Decks - A Synthesis of Highway Practice

This report addresses a number of topics related to thin polymer overlays (TPOs). Those topics include previous research, specifications, and procedures on TPOs; performance of TPOs based on field applications; the primary factors that influence TPO performance; current construction guidelines for TPOs related to surface preparation, mixing and placement, consolidation, finishing, and curing; repair procedures; factors that influence the performance of overlays, including life-cycle cost, benefits and costs, bridge deck condition, service life extension, and performance; and successes and failures of TPOs, including reasons for both. TPOs consist of a polymer binder and aggregates with a thickness not exceeding 25 mm (1 in.). They have provided long-lasting wearing surfaces for bridge decks with many advantages, including adding very little dead load; very fast cure times; shallow depths that eliminate the need for raising approach slabs; ability to transition from overlaid lane to non-overlaid lane during construction; low permeability; and good frictional resistance. This study found that TPOs have become an accepted construction method for deck preservation, restoring surface friction and extending the lives of decks. When constructed properly on sound decks, TPOs should provide a service life of 20 or 25 years. Information was gathered through literature review, a survey of all state transportation agencies, and selected interviews.
Content:
Front Matter
• Preface
• Table of Contents
• Summary
1. Introduction
2. Literature Findings and Specifications
3. Performance of Overlays from Surveys and Interviews
4. Proven Practices
• 5. Repair
6. Conclusions
• References
• Bibliography
• Glossary of Terms
Appendices
• Acronyms and Abbreviations