Evaluation of the Construction and Performance of Multiple Layer Polymer Concrete Overlays

About the report:

This interim report presents the results after 5 years of a study undertaken to evaluate multiple layer polymer concrete overlays over a 10-year period. The report indicates that an overlay of low permeability and high skid resistance can be successfully installed by a contractor or by state or federal labor forces with a minimum of disruption to traffic. With one exception, the initial condition of the I0 overlays that have been evaluated since 1981 was good to excellent from the standpoint of permeability, skid resistance, and bond, although some overlays were better than others. Also, with one exception, the overlays were in good to excellent condition after one year in service, but the permeability had increased and the bond strength and skid resistance had decreased significantly. Although evaluations made at 3 years and 5 years of age showed a continuing decrease in skid number and bond strength and an increase in permeability, three overlays near Williamsburg had an acceptable skid number and permeability at 5 years of age, but these overlays can be expected to delaminate further at an age of 5 to 10 years, because the concrete surface was not properly prepared prior to placing the overlays and because moisture, temperature change, and traffic deteriorate the bond interface. Multiple layer polymer overlays constructed in accordance with the special provision of March 1987, can be assumed to have a useful life of 10 years and to provide an economical alternative for extending the life of decks for which maintenance should be done during off-peak traffic periods.

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