Experimental analysis of waterproofing polymeric pavements for concrete bridge decks

On concrete bridge and viaduct decks, traditional bituminous pavements are often subject to rapid degradation, particularly due to precipitation, traffic loadings and chemical attack. Pavement failure can also be due to underlying cracks related to steel reinforcement corrosion. For this reason waterproofing plays an important role in durability of the structure. Waterproofing can be done by means of polymeric binders and aggregates, mixed or applied together in the surface course. The paper summarizes the main results of a study aimed at mechanically characterizing resin-aggregate mixtures (premixed and multi-layers) for bridge waterproofing and paving: two types of resins and several types of natural and artificial/industrial aggregate (EAF slag, C&D aggregate, limestone and quartz sand) were used. Permanent deformation resistance and adhesion tests were conducted, as well as trials to define the surface characteristics of the product (skid resistance, permeability, macro-texture). The comparison demonstrates that polymeric slurries present better resistance than polymeric multi-layers and bituminous mixtures to permanent deformation at higher temperatures (40 to 60 °C), but show some deficiencies in adhesion properties. However, the surface characteristics of polymeric multi-layers are preferable to those of slurries and traditional bituminous mixtures