Performance of Bonded Bridge Deck Overlays in Alabama
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 8, Issue 1
Abstract
Bridge deck rehabilitation via overlaying has been widely used in the colder regions of the United States but not in Alabama due to a warmer climate and nonuse of deicing salts on bridge decks. However, Alabama does have some experience with bonded deck overlays, and the purpose of this work is to document the performance of the overlays that were placed in Alabama prior to the Summer 2000. The service life performance of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s 19 bonded bridge deck overlays to date are as follows: • Thin (6.4 mm or 1/4 in.) urethane polymer concrete (four overlays) provided a service life of 3 years and left much to be desired before the 3 years. • Thin (9.5 mm or 3/8 in.) polyester polymer concrete (12 overlays) has provided highly variable performances. Four of the overlays had service lifes of less than 1 year. The remaining seven overlays are approximately 10 years old and continuing in service; however, most are near the end of their service life. • Thin (9.5 mm or 3/8 in.) epoxy co-polymer concrete (Flexogrid) (two overlays) has provided excellent performance. Both overlays are 8 years old and located on I-20 bridges and remain in excellent condition. • Thin (12.7–19.1 mm or 1/2–3/4 in.) asphaltic based NOVACHIP (one overlay) has been in service for 3 years. During this short period, it has and is continuing to perform in an excellent manner.
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References
Brincherhoff, P., and Silano, L. G. (1992). Bridge inspection and rehabilitation—A practical guide, Wiley, New York.
Ramey, G. E., and Oliver, R. S. (1998). “Rapid rehabilitation/replacement of bridge decks.” Final Rep. on ALDOT Research Project 930-376, Alabama Dept. of Transportation, Montgomery, Ala.
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Copyright
Copyright © 2003 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 14, 2001
Accepted: Jan 28, 2002
Published online: Jan 15, 2003
Published in print: Feb 2003
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