Bridge Deck Patching Material Evaluation

Abstract

Deck patching is a common practice used when bridge decks have local deterioration but do not yet warrant full replacement. Rapid setting patch materials provide a quick and economical way to patch deteriorated areas without significant lane closure time. While these materials set quickly and often achieve high early strength, their long-term performance in corrosive environments and under heavy traffic loads is sometimes poor. In addition, little guidance is provided in terms of standardized testing for these materials that addresses the key properties needed for long-term service life. This paper details a testing program that evaluates a number of deck patch materials and the development of a testing protocol for material evaluation.