Polymer concrete overlay on SH 51 bridge deck (80-03-1)

Abstract

This report discusses OKLAHOMA's first polymer concrete bridge deck overlay. The objective of this project was to place a thin resinous overlay on a sound bridge deck and evaluate its performance over one year using various physical tests. The evaluation will show how well the overlay protects the reinforcing steel from corrosion due to deicing salts. The steps leading to the construction of the overlay are detailed as well as the actual placing of the overlay. The results of various physical tests are reported for both before and after the overlay. The protection of a bridge deck with a polymer concrete overlay appears to be a rather complicated procedure. Besides constraints of weather, temperature, aggregate and resin availability, machinery needs to be developed that can accurately and efficiently mix and lay polymer concrete.