Engineering Commons^™

Rapid Pothole Repair In Concrete Bridge Decks, Abheetha Peiris, Issam Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Using traditional methods to repair potholes in reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks is time-consuming and requires significant manpower and equipment. However, commercially available epoxies and similar materials provide a repair option that does not require saw cutting the deck around the pothole, concrete removal, and replacement. Researchers laboratory tested three epoxies to identify which is best for pothole repairs. Based on assessments of substrate penetration times and set times for epoxy and epoxy mortar, as well as compressive strength gain over time for epoxy mortar, researchers selected Sikadur 52 for static and dynamic bending tests using small-scale beams with simulated …

Rapid Repair Of Bridge Decks In Cold Weather, Abheetha Peiris, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Using regular concrete or mortar to repair potholes in concrete bridge decks is typically infeasible in cold weather due to extended set and curing times. However, several commercially available rapid-set repair materials can be used at temperatures near or below freezing. This study evaluated five such materials to assess their properties and determine which are most suited to executing pothole repairs in cold weather. For each material, laboratory testing evaluated set times, compressive strength gains, and bond strength to existing concrete at three temperatures: 35°F, 15°F, and 0°F (1.7°C, -9.4°C, and -17.8°C, respectively). Testing identified Phoscrete as the repair material …

Waterproofing Options For Bridge Decks, Danny Wells, Sudhir Palle, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Due to the increasing use of deicing chemicals and the subsequent intrusion of chlorides into bridge decks, it is necessary to expand the use of available protective measures, including waterproofing materials. Waterproofing options that fall into three categories; 1) membranes (liquid and sheet systems), 2) friction polymers (laminates), and 3) polymer asphalts. This study assessed the waterproofing characteristics of these products. Prior to this study, no common test had been established to compare the performance of waterproofing products. A test method was developed that closely follows ASTM D5084, “Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Conductivity of Saturated Porous Materials …

Longer Lasting Bridge Deck Overlays, David Q. Hunsucker, Kean H. Ashurst Jr., Brad W. Rister, David L. Allen, Eileen Grady

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this report is to determine the most effective method for bridge deck overlay construction and repair by assessing current practices; examining new products and technologies; and reviewing NCHRP (National Cooperative Highway Research Program) guidelines, state standard specifications, ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) infrastructure ratings, and original bridge core chloride penetration data. Based on the review, this report offers the following conclusions. Latex modified concrete (LMC) overlays perform well, provide a long service life, and are the most commonly used method of bridge deck rehabilitation. Ohio considers microsilica concrete (MSC) overlays as state of the art due …

Inspection And Evaluation Of A Bridge Deck Reinforced With Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (Cfrp) Bars, Choo Ching Chiaw, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Cracking in reinforced concrete decks is inevitable. It leads to the corrosion and eventual deterioration of the deck system. The use of non-corrosive reinforcement is one alternative to steel in reinforced concrete construction. This report deals with the field evaluation and performance of a concrete bridge deck reinforced with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars. The bridge is identified as the Elkin Station Road Bridge on route CR1210 over the Two Mile Creek in Clark County, KY. The CFRP bars were placed in the top and bottom mats of the bridge deck in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. The …

Inspection And Evaluation Of A Bridge Deck Partially Reinforced With Gfrp Rebars, Issam E. Harik, P. Alagusundaramoorthy, V. Gupta, Chris Hill, Choo Ching Chiaw

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The corrosion of steel can be a significant problem in bridge decks in which the reinforcing and prestressing steel are accessible to deicing salts and combinations of moisture, temperature and chlorides through cracks, leading to concrete deterioration and loss of serviceability. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) rebars have emerged as one alternative to steel reinforcement in corrosive environments.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the cracks formed on a bridge deck that is partially reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars. The bridge constructed in 1997 is in Bourbon County, KY, on US460 over the Rogers' Creek. Its …

Low-Void Concrete Mixtures, Assaf S. Rahal, James H. Havens

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to modify concrete mix-design formulas to supplant all water over and above that needed for hydration with a non-evaporable liquid material and(or) a super-water-reducer or plasticizer -- thus producing a low-void concrete. A water-cement ratio of 0.244 - 0.30 was presumed minimal for hydration of the cement. Several polymeric materials, asphalts, oils, and superplasticizers were used. Success was achieved with two latexes, one epoxy, and several superplasticizers. The use of these materials in concrete resulted in improved strength, reduction of air voids and permeability, and enhancement of resistance to corrosive chloride salts.

The Bump At The End Of The Bridge, Tommy C. Hopkins, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The nature and causes of the differential settlements between a bridge deck and the adjoining highway approach pavement have been the subject of an increasing number of investigations in recent years. This settlement of the highway approach pavement not only presents a hazardous condition to rapidly moving traffic, but creates a rough and uncomfortable ride. These defects of the pavement surface require costly maintenance and, where a heavy traffic flow exists, the maintenance operation may tend to impede the normal flow.

Bridge abutments in Kentucky are usually founded on relatively a stable foundation such as rock or point-bearing piles to …