Rapid Patching of Deteriorated Concrete Using Polymer Concrete

摘要

The increased use of deicing salts is resulting in rapid deterioration of portland cement concrete bridge decks. Corrosion of the reinforcing steel by the chlorides results in an increase in the volume of the steel. This expansion produces stresses in the concrete which result in delaminations and surface spalling. The repair of spalls with conventional durable patching materials can only be made if traffic can be diverted from the patched areas for several days. Therefore, a durable patching material which will allow traffic to be resumed over the repaired area in a few hours is needed. These criteria can be met by the use of polymer concrete. Polymer concrete (PC) is a composite material in which the aggregate is bound together in a dense matrix with a polymeric binder. The aggregate is mixed with a monomer mixture and subsequently cured in place. PC combines the premix characteristics of portland cement concrete with high strength, long-term durability, and short cure time. The high early strength of PC is suitable for use in the repair of highway structures where traffic conditions allow closing of the area for only a few hours. (ERA citation 04:019822)