NCHRP 10-37B [Completed]
A Protocol for the Evaluation of Existing Bridges Containing Epoxy-Coated Reinforcing Steel
| Project Data |
| Funds: |
$10,000 |
| Principal Investigator: |
Richard E. Weyers |
| Effective Date: |
11/1/1994 |
| Completion Date: |
12/31/1995 |
|
Protocols were developed for the examination of existing bridges containing epoxy-coated reinforcing steel. Guidance has been provided for tailoring the protocols to available resources and expected outcome.
Research and experience indicates the potential for future failures in the performance of epoxy -
coated reinforcing steel in concrete bridges. Given the potential for failure, many transportation agencies will be examining their existing structures. Principal purposes of an examination would be to (1) determine the condition of the epoxy-coating, the reinforcing steel, and the concrete and (2) help predict the future performance of the bridge.
Research included: (1) examining existing reports to identify various theories and the data needed to support or test those theories; (2) defining performance indicators and measures to establish sampling plans for various bridge elements containing epoxy-coated reinforcing steel. (The sampling plans include several tiers of investigations based on the information needed and resources available); (3) Identifying equipment and field procedures needed (including test methods and location and number of samples); and (4) describing the analyses necessary to obtain data from the samples (including any laboratory tests).
The results of the project are an excellent resource to state DOTs for tailoring their own efforts based on available resources. NCHRP Research Results Digest 215,"Protocol for In-Service Evaluation of Bridges with Epoxy-Coated Reinforcing Steel," describes the contractor's final report.
