Field Performance of Deep Polymer Impregnation
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 113, Issue 1
Abstract
A test installation of deep polymer impregnation was applied to an 8‐yr old, heavily traveled bridge deck in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1975. While no surface spalls existed, the chloride contents at the level of the top reinforcing mat exceeded the corrosion threshold values. The deep polymer impregnation process involved drying the concrete, impregnating it to a depth of 7.6–10.2 cm (3–4 in.) with a catalyzed acrylic monomer, and thermally polymerizing the monomer. Detailed field and laboratory examination after 9‐yr service revealed excellent performance from the impregnated concrete. Fracture planes and spalls were absent, whereas adjacent untreated areas were highly damaged. Surface wear was reduced by 65%. Half‐cell corrosion potentials revealed active reinforcement corrosion ouside the test area, but not within. Chloride contents were significantly lower in the test area. Pre‐existing corrosion cells within the test area were arrested.
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References
1.
Concrete manual, 8th ed. (1975). Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., Fig. 228, p. 575.
2.
Manson, J. A., Chen, W. F., Vanderhoff, J. W., Mehta, H. C., Cady, P. D., Kline, D. E., and Blankenhorn, P. R. (1978). “Use of polymers in highway concrete,” NCHRP Report 190. Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C.
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Copyright © 1987 ASCE.
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Published online: Jan 1, 1987
Published in print: Jan 1987
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