Polymer concrete patching materials

The increase use of deicing salts is causing rapid deterioration of portland cement concrete bridge decks. Soluble chlorides cause corrosion of the steel reinforcing rods with a corresponding increase in volume of the rods. This expansion causes stresses in the concrete which result in delaminations and surface spalling. The repair of surface spalls with portland cement concrete can only be made if traffic can be avoided for several days. A patching material which would allow traffic to resume over the repaired area in a few hours was needed. Polymer concrete (PC) was developed to repair deteriorated portland cement concrete. Polymer concrete is defined as a composite material in which the aggregate is bound together in a dense matrix with a polymer binder. The aggregate is mixed with a monomer mixture and subsequently cured in place. Polymer concrete combines the premix characteristics of portland cement concrete with high strength, long term durability properties and fast cure times. PC placed at temperatures between 35 F and 95 F attains strengths greater than 5000 psi in 2 hours.