Feasibility of the implementation of solar heat sources for bridge deck applications

Abstract

Deicing salts have caused damage and early failure of the concrete cover and corrosion of reinforcing steel of concrete bridge decks. The use of wax to internally seal Portlant Cement concrete bridge decks and the use of monomers to polymerize concrete have been researched as methods to repair deteriorated decks and to prevent the penetration of salt into the conrete. Both methods require heating the concrete to a depth of two inches to temperatures of 160 to 190 degrees F. Eelctrical and propane heating systems are expensive to buy and operate. Solar equipment may be more simple and uses a source of energy that is both free and non-polluting. the installation of two cathodic protection systems as part of the Federal Highway Administration's Demonstration Project No. 34, "Cathodic Protection for Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks". Two different types of cathodic protection systems were installed under this contract. The first system known as a "slotted" or non-overlay system consists of anodes which are installed in slots that have been sawed in the bridge deck. The second system is an overlay system in which the anodes are installed on top of the deck and then a 2 inch high density concrete overlay is piaced. Both systems were of the impressed current type using the local utility company for power. This is the second year evaluation of the project.