NRRI > Comparative Performance Study of Chip Seal & Bonded Wear Course Systems Applied to Bridge Decks and Approaches
Last Update Thu Mar 7 15:46:00 CST 2013
To provide a comparative evaluation of the performance of several polymeric chip seal (PCS) and ultra-thin bonded wear courses (UTBWC) applied to bridge decks, including sealing and corrosion protection attributes afforded to the deck, as well as improved safety due to increased friction and retention of deicing chemicals as provided by the overlayer. Yearly reports and a final report summarizing this comparative evaluation will be the products of this work.Project aggregate samples were provided to Prof. Dave in August. A late September meeting took place at MnDOT's Maplewood laboratory, for project discussions and to observe demonstration of a dynamic friction tester available to UMD. Plans were developed to conduct aggregate friction testing at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University, AL, to take place in 2013. Aggregate characterization work is also planned for 2013.
Recent development and commercialization of various polymeric chip seal and ultra-thin bonded wear courses poses several key questions with respect to the widespread application of these to bridge deck surfaces. Choices must be made among those available in the absence of data allowing for sound comparative assessment. Primary concerns focus on the following performance characteristics: 1) Materials quality and performance quality of materials in a given system, including both the sealing material (e.g. polymer in a PCS system) and the aggregate component; 2) Skid resistance afforded by the overlay system, evaluated by friction measurement over the first few years of service life; 3) Improved safety provided by higher friction as manifested in accident reduction at the application sites; 4) Effectiveness of the sealing component to reduce or eliminate chloride ingress into the deck as a consequence of the use of deicing chemicals; 5) Examination of issues relating to moisture trapping at the seal coat/concrete interface which may cause premature degradation of the concrete, and; 6) Cost/Benefit considerations as related to the above.
Following further discussions and meetings with MnDOT in early 2012, a revised/amended project work plan and timetable were submitted to MnDOT in April, and were approved. A project planning meeting took place at NRRI with Prof. Eshan Dave on May 23. NRRI activities will continue through the summer and fall, some of which will be coordinated with Prof. Dave.
Start Date 07/08/2010
End Date 12/31/2012
Steven Hauck undefined