MPC
Project Details

Title:	Effectiveness of Concrete Bridge Deck Sealants
Principal Investigators:	Rouzbeh Ghabchi and Nadim Wehbe
University:	South Dakota State University
Status:	Active
Year:	2020
Grant #:	69A3551747108 (FAST Act)
Project #:	MPC-626
RiP #:	01733132
RH Display ID:	149889
Keywords:	bridge decks, chip seals, concrete bridges, cost effectiveness, field tests, laboratory tests, polymers

Abstract

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) questions if the use of the polymer chip seals is efficient and cost-effective in preventing water and chloride infiltration on bridge decks. Polymer chip seals are commonly used to seal the decks, resulting in improved friction (skid resistance). Since the early 1990s, SDDOT has used polymer chip seals on decks to reduce water permeability and chloride penetrability. This prevents deterioration due to corrosion of the steel reinforcement from chloride ingress in the decks. The seals' failure on the deck causes rapid degradation that significantly increases maintenance costs to prolong service life of the decks. To determine the effectiveness of deck sealants and their performance on bridge decks in South Dakota, immediate and rigorous laboratory and field testing-based research considering different types of deck sealants must be done. This work will not only help validate the claim for efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the sealants for South Dakota bridge decks, but also provide technical recommendations regarding their practical use.

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