Integrity and effectiveness of standard preformed membranes placed on concrete bridge decks

Waterproofing membranes have been used on bridge decks for almost three decades in order to prevent chloride ingress into concrete. However, the performance of these membranes have yet to be adequately evaluated. Therefore, this research was carried out primarily to evaluate the integrity and effectiveness of standard preformed membranes placed on concrete bridge decks.

The actual conditions of a bridge deck were simulated in the laboratory using scaled-down reinforced concrete specimens. Forty-eight outdoor and twelve indoor specimens were cast. Three types of standard preformed membranes (Bithuthene 5000, Royston lOA, and Protecto Wrap M400-A), punctured with holes of various sizes and frequencies per unit area, were placed on the specimens. All of the specimens were overlaid with 2.5 inches of hot-mix asphalt, except four outdoor (control) specimens and three indoor specimens.