Report No.: CCEER-92-10

Authors: D. N. O'Connor and M. "Saiid" Saiidi

Date: February 1993

Sponsoring Agency: Nevada Department of Transportation

Performing Organization:

Department of Civil Engineering/258

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, NV 89557

Abstract:

A major cause of highway bridge deck deterioration is the widespread use of deicing salts to keep roads free of snow and ice in the winter. Chloride, water, and oxygen infiltration into the deck results in corrosion of the reinforcing steel which, in turn, causes cracking and spalling in the concrete. The Nevada Department of Transportation has chosen polyester concrete overlays as the preferred strategy for bridge deck protection.

Previous studies conducted at the University of Nevada have examined the use of polyester-styrene polymer concrete, thermal compatibility issues, and laboratory determination of basic engineering properties. This report describes the results of laboratory testing conducted to determine the sensitivity of polyester concrete compressive strength to an increase in temperature, the effects of temperature cycling on compressive strength, the bonding strength of polyester concrete to portland cement concrete; and the modulus of elasticity of concrete made with today's resins (Abstract by authors).