Evaluation of the Use of High Molecular Weight Methacrylate Monomers to Seal Cracks in Decks on I-81 over the New River

摘要

The report presents the results of a study undertaken to evaluate the installation and performance of two high molecular weight methacrylate monomers used to treat the cracks and seal the surfaces on two bridges on I-81 over the New River. The evaluation indicates that no significant application problems occurred and the treatments partially filled the top 1/2 in of the cracks. However, because of traffic and temperature induced strains across the cracks, the polymer in many of the cracks was cracked after 1 year in service. The study concludes that the application of high molecular weight methacrylate monomers is a practical way to reduce the infiltration of chloride ions into cracked concrete surfaces because of the low cost and ease with which the treatment can be applied as compared to pressure injection of epoxy. The report also indicates that high molecular weight methacrylate monomers can be applied as a prime coat to improve the bond strength of polyester styrene concrete overlays.