Vertical and Overhead Concrete Patches

Bridge elements undergo various types of damage throughout their service life requiring rehabilitation with vertical and overhead patch repairs. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) guidance is limited to horizontal concrete surface repairs. Vertical and overhead patches typically include using different strategies, patch materials and repair reinforcements such as mechanical anchors, wire reinforcement, or fiber-reinforced polymer wraps. The field engineers mostly rely on manufacturer's repair recommendations and engineer discretion for guidance. The development of complete guidance protocols including patch-repair materials installation specifications, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria is required to provide consistency and ensure the durability of concrete patches. The development of the protocols, specifications and an approved products list would be beneficial to ensure WisDOT delivers longer-lasting repairs. The researcher will investigate and provide material selection guidance, patch-repair materials installation specifications and repair strategies for concrete surface repairs in the vertical and overhead positions using different strategies, patch materials and repair reinforcements. This project will provide complete guidance protocols for minor to intermediate vertical and overhead concrete patch repairs in concrete bridge decks, slabs, prestressed concrete girders, piers and abutments located above and away from traffic. They will subject patch repairs to stress tests to evaluate patch durability. The researcher will develop patch-repair materials installation specifications, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria. The researcher will develop repair specification recommendations and an approved products list, providing consistency and ensuring the durability of concrete patches.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Incorporated

  330 Pfingsten Road
  Northbrook, IL  United States  60062
• Start Date: 20241004
• Expected Completion Date: 20260529
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Concrete; Durability; Inspection; Materials selection; Patching; Repairing
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01979813
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 18 2026 11:21AM