2013 Session: AHD45

• Extending the Life of Bridges Through Beam End Coatings and Treatments
  Abstract: As the national transportation infrastructure ages and deteriorates, many existing bridges require frequent and costly maintenance and repairs. Therefore, an effort was carried out at the request of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to identify current State DOT specifications and to describe and rank manufacturer products related to the treatment and coating of concrete and steel beam ends. The objective of this work was to synthesize new and existing types of beam end coatings and treatments that have been proven to extend the life of new and existing concrete and steel bridge beams. A comprehensive literature review, along with online surveys and phone interviews of State DOTs and coating manufacturers was conducted to gather information about existing and recently developed technologies. The study revealed that while many promising coatings and treatments are offered on the market, there is a lack of readily available laboratory results that would enable direct comparison of the available methods. This finding applies in terms of the coatings’ durability and the potential for extending the service life of existing bridges. Most of the interviewed State DOTs’ personnel assessed the products listed in respective Qualified Products Lists as performing ‘well’. However, there was significant variability between states in the products used and of the agencies contacted none was able to suggest the most promising or advanced products either for concrete or steel bridge beam end treatments. This suggests that comprehensive laboratory evaluation would be necessary for selecting the best available beam end treatments and coatings.
  Authors: Radlinska, Aleksandra; McCarthy, Leslie Ann; Matzke, James; Nagel, Francis
  Authors: Radlinska, Aleksandra; McCarthy, Leslie Ann; Matzke, James; Nagel, Francis
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Bridges and Other Structures; Maintenance and Preservation
  Session: AHD45
  Paper Number: 13-1587
• Correlation of Non-Destructive Testing Results to Improve Assessment of Corrosion and Corrosion Damage of a Reinforced Concrete Deck
  Abstract: Periodic monitoring of a 33 year old reinforced concrete bridge deck in Haymarket, Virginia was performed as a part of the Long Term Bridge Performance Program (LTBPP). The bridge carries southbound U.S. Route 15 over Interstate 66. The use of several different non-destructive testing (NDT) methods has allowed monitoring of the progression of corrosion activity and damage over a two year period. The Route 15 bridge was completely surveyed using NDT methods in September of 2009 and again in August 2011. The NDT methods that were utilized for detection of corrosion activity and damage were half-cell potential (HCP), electrical resistivity (ER), ground penetrating radar (GPR), and chain drag (CD)/hammer sounding. Presented are the findings regarding corrosion and deterioration of the deck over time as identified through the use of NDT. Comparison between different NDT methods were made that show relationships between the results of different NDT methods. The comparisons indicated several correlations between methods that identify threshold values and the methods’ ability to identify corrosion at different states of the deterioration process.
  Authors: Pailes, Brian M.; Gucunski, Nenad; Brown, Michael Carey
  Authors: Pailes, Brian M.; Gucunski, Nenad; Brown, Michael Carey
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Paper
  Subject: Bridges and Other Structures; Maintenance and Preservation
  Session: AHD45
  Paper Number: 13-4277
• Correlation of Non-Destructive Testing Results to Improve Assessment of Corrosion and Corrosion Damage of a Reinforced Concrete Deck
  Authors: Pailes, Brian
  Authors: Pailes, Brian
  Year: 2013
  Document Type: Presentation
  Session: AHD45
  Paper Number: 13-4277