Investigation of Bridge Deck and Concrete Pavement Surface Treatments W. Micah Hale, Ph.D., P.E. Associate Professor University of Arkansas

Introduction  There are several types of protective surface treatments that are available for concrete pavements and bridge decks.  These surface treatments typically protect the concrete against harmful chemicals and water that may penetrate into the concrete.  These treatments are typically a type of linseed soil, silicon compound, or a resin.

Background  Current AHTD specifications require that the protective surface treatments must be in one of the following three classes Class 1 – Boiled linseed oil that meets ASTM D 260 Class 2 – Organo silicon compound that must meet ASTM (C642) and AASHTO (T 259) test requirements Class 3 – Methacrylate resin  While all surface treatments used in AR must meet the above specifications, some treatments perform better than the others.  The goal of the research program is to identify those better performing surface treatments.

Research & Outcomes  Research Subject the available surface treatments to ASTM C642 and AASHTO T 259 and other available laboratory tests. Assess the performance of those treatments. Work with AHTD to locate a bridge deck or pavement where the better performing treatments can be applied. Monitor this pavement or bridge deck for at least one year to determine the effectiveness of the treatment in the field.  Outcomes A possible specification change to allow new surface treatments or restrict the use of the current treatments that do not perform well. Longer lasting concrete pavements.