Penetrating Sealants for Concrete Bridge Decks—Selection Procedure
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 11, Issue 5
Abstract
The major parameter controlling the effectiveness of penetrating sealants as a means of protecting concrete bridge deck surface is the depth of penetration. The factors affecting the depth of sealant penetration are identified both through a fundamental approach and with reference to the literature on penetrating sealants, concrete deterioration, durability, and permeability. Penetration properties and the use of silane and siloxane as concrete surface sealers are discussed. The effects of surface cleaning methods and the drying period are discussed. Penetrating sealants are effective if proper surface cleaning and application procedures are employed. However, moisture state within the first depth controls the depth of sealant penetration. Thus, the factors that affect the drying period before sealant application are identified. Penetrating sealants selection procedure incorporating available test methods is outlined based on the knowledge gained through the fundamental studies of flow phenomenon and literature.
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Acknowledgments
This study was funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) through the Center for Structural Durability at Wayne State University. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors. We appreciate the kind support of Mr. J. Wong, from the Alberta Department of Transportation. Sika Corporation, Lone Star Epoxies, Endur-O-Seal, and Fox Industries provided in-kind support by providing penetrating sealants for experimental studies carried out during this research. The writers also appreciate the participation of research assistants Vipuil Kishore and Linfeng Zhang from the Chemical Engineering Department for this study.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 11 • Issue 5 • September 2006
Pages: 533 - 540
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 7, 2005
Accepted: May 13, 2005
Published online: Sep 1, 2006
Published in print: Sep 2006
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