Development and Layout of a Protocol for the Field Performance of Concrete Deck and Crack Sealants

Development and Layout of a Protocol for the Field Performance of Concrete Deck and Crack Sealants
Author: José Antonio Pincheira
Publisher:
Total Pages: 62
Release: 2009
Genre: Concrete bridges
ISBN:

The main objective of this project was to develop and layout a protocol for the long-term monitoring and assessment of the performance of concrete deck and crack sealants in the field. To accomplish this goal, a total of six bridge decks were chosen for study. The decks have ages that vary from 4 to 30 years old, are all in good condition, though some presented a variety of longitudinal, transverse and diagonal cracking. In each deck, test segments were laid out along one lane in four of the six bridges. Drill powder samples were extracted in each segment in order to determine the in-situ, near-surface chloride ion content of the deck. Laboratory analyses of the samples showed that the chloride ion content varied between 3.2 lb/cy for the younger decks (3 years old) and 20.8 lb/cy for the older decks (28 years old). Based on the recommendations of a previous laboratory investigation, a pool of the best performing deck and crack sealants were selected to be applied in the decks. In two bridges, deck segments were sealed with four deck sealants while one segment was left unsealed to be used as a control segment. Additionally, the cracks in each of these segments were sealed with five crack sealants. While two other decks were also scheduled for sealing as part of this phase of the project, they were not done because the required curing time for some of the products was longer than deemed acceptable by DOT crews for these high traffic bridges. It is recommended, however, that every effort be made to have these decks be sealed in the near future. The remaining two bridges had been sealed at the time of construction. While no specific information could be secured about the product used in these decks, the low chloride ion content in these decks suggested that the applied product has helped reduce the ingress of chloride ions. Therefore, it is recommended that these decks continue to be monitored over time. Based on the inspections and the data collected in the field, a protocol and schedule for the continuing monitoring of sealant performance is presented.

Long and Deep Tunnels

Long and Deep Tunnels
Author: Vittorio Guglielmetti
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 1336
Release: 2016-04-15
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0415558549

The design and construction of “long and deep” tunnels, i.e. tunnels under mountains, characterised by either considerable length and/or overburden, represent a considerable challenge. The scope of this book is not to instruct how to design and construct such tunnels but to share a method to identify the potential hazards related to the process of designing and constructing long and deep tunnels, to produce a relevant comprehensive analysis and listing, to quantify the probability and consequences, and to design proper mitigation measures and countermeasures. The design, developed using probabilistic methods, is verified during execution by means of the so called Plan for Advance of the Tunnel (PAT) method, which allows adapting the design and control parameters of the future stretches of the tunnel to the results of the stretches already finished, using the monitoring data base. Numerous criteria are given to identify the key parameters, necessary for the PAT procedure. Best practices of excavation management with the help of real time monitoring and control are also provided. Furthermore cost and time evaluation systems are analysed. Finally, contractual aspects related to construction by contract are investigated, for best development and application of models more appropriate for tunnelling-construction contracts. The work will be of interest to practising engineers, designers, consultants and students in mining, underground, tunnelling, transportation and construction engineering, as well as to foundation and geological engineers, urban planners/developers and architects.

Evaluation of Flexible Pavement Crack Sealing Methods Used in Utah

Evaluation of Flexible Pavement Crack Sealing Methods Used in Utah
Author: Michael C. Belangie
Publisher:
Total Pages: 130
Release: 1981
Genre: Pavements
ISBN:

The primary purpose of this study was to develop criteria to improve the effectiveness of Utah's flexible pavement crack sealing practice. The methodology involved field measurements of seasonal variation in crack width and in-depth interviews of Department members at various levels of management in maintenance, materials, construction, and research. Other states were queried by questionnaire in order to obtain a comparative base on with to evaluate Utah's practice. Findings indicate that flexible pavement cracking is a significant problem in the Far West, Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, and New England. Criteria to determine when to seal (fill) cracks, and materials or techniques to be used vary widely. Choice of materials if affected by storage requirements and equipment available. Prepackaging of materials especially designed for crack sealing has resulted in improvements in control of mix and material properties; further gains can be anticipated as mix design improves and material specifications become more exact.. Low temperature and freeze thaw cycles significantly affect the amount of thermal cracking and the performance of crack sealant. Poor rideability, increased pavement deterioration, obscured traffic markings, lowered skid resistance can result from inappropriate selection and installation of crack sealants. Ductile sealants such as Crumb rubber/asphalt cement mixes, in combination with routing appear to offer substantial gains in sealant life and performance. These gains are partially offset by increased installation cost and hazard to the operator. Existing data is insufficient for benefit/cost analysis.