The Successful Use of Thin Polysulfide Epoxy Polymer Concrete Overlays on Concrete and Steel Orthotropic Bridge Decks

Specially formulated Polysulfide Epoxy Polymer Concrete Bridge Deck Overlays were developed almost twenty years ago. These thin overlays offer reduced dead load as compared to asphalt overlays, and will not heave in high temperature locations. Unlike other epoxy systems Polysulfide Epoxy is formulated to resist the long term effects of ultra violet rays, which can lead to oxygenation, overlay material hardening, and premature material failure. Successful application and overlay performance is based on proper project specifications. Surface preparation, environmental conditions, material mixing, application methods, wearing surface aggregate broadcast and proper inspection will be discussed along with the importance of each of these factors. There are several methods of application that are currently in use. Each of the application methods has benefits and the paper will discuss these benefits as well as a direct comparison of the long term performance of each.