Textured Epoxy Coated and Galvanized Reinforcement to Reduce Cracking in Concrete Bridge Decks and Components

Historically, bridge and structure owners have searched for ways to prevent cracking of concrete bridge decks and components to prevent and control deterioration. Structural components that are of concern include parapets, piers, and prestressed girder ends. However, bridge decks have been the primary concern for deterioration due to the wide, thin, and long pours used coupled with application of deicing chemicals. Designers have used code guidance on reinforcement placement in an attempt to control flexure cracking as well as providing reinforcement to resist temperature and shrinkage strains. Industry has provided products like epoxy coated, stainless steel, galvanized, and other reinforcements to help reduce deterioration that may occur to the reinforcement after the initiation of cracking. Some of the mitigating tools used to address deterioration of reinforcement may be expensive (e.g., stainless steel reinforcement). Recently, new approaches have been proposed to help prevent cracking that may be the result of issues with the localized bond between epoxy coated reinforcement and the concrete. Specifically, the use of textured epoxy coated reinforcement has been introduced as a strategy to reduce or prevent cracking in concrete decks and components. For Textured Epoxy Coated Reinforcement, it had been reported that the epoxy receives a powder coating improving bond strength. One DOT reported reduced and or tighter cracking than conventional epoxy coated rebar on three pilot deck projects. It had also been reported that the process is not patented and difference in cost is only few cents per unit weight. Along the lines of textured epoxy coated reinforcement, it has been suspected that galvanized reinforcement may also provide improved bond between concrete and reinforcement as a byproduct of the corrosion protection benefits of galvanization. It is not known if this potential improved bond between galvanized reinforcement exists and provided benefits in controlling cracking in bridge decks and components. However, if this quality exists, it could provide benefit in bridge decks and components. The objective of this research is to examine the use of textured epoxy coated and galvanized reinforcement in bridge decks and other bridge components, specifically Wisconsin deep prestressed girder ends.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $180000
• Contract Numbers:

  0092-19-01

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  4802 Sheboygan Avenue
  Madison, WI  United States  53707
• Project Managers:

  Kiekbusch, David

• Performing Organizations:

  Clemson University

  110 Lowry Hall
  Box 340911
  Clemson, SC  United States  29634-0911
• Principal Investigators:

  Poursaee, A

  Ross, Brandon

• Start Date: 20181001
• Expected Completion Date: 20200901
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Concrete bridges; Epoxy coatings; Reinforcing bars
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01696705
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 0092-19-01
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 2019 12:00PM