Enclosed Soak System for Deep Polymer Impregnation of Concrete Bridge Decks

Results of polymer impregnation of concrete slabs and a bridge deck to a depth of 4 in. are presented and examined. The criteria developed for drying the slabs and bridge decks to a depth of 4 in. using gas-fired infrared heaters (applied on one surface only) is either to measure the temperature at 4 in. and cease applying heat when it reaches ≥ 230°F or stop applying heat when the rate of temperature rise on the surface is less than 10°F/hr. Impregnation by ponding of the monomer system (100 parts methyl methacrylate, 10 parts trimethylol propane trimethacrylate, and 0.5 parts azobisisobutyrl nitrile) to achieve a depth of 4 in. required 4 days or longer. Polymerization of the monomer system in the concrete can be achieved at 4 in. by using a hot water bath and by maintaining a temperature at 4 in. of ≥ 130°F.