Development of Rapid, Cement-based Repair Materials for Transportation Structures: Final Report

The state of Texas has been plagued by various durability-related issues in recent years, including deterioration from alkali-silica reaction (ASR), delayed ettringite formation (DEF), corrosion of reinforcing steel, and volume changes (plastic shrinkage, drying shrinkage, thermal effects, etc.), just to name a few. These durability-related issues, coupled with other factors that contribute to reductions in service life (e.g., service loads, defects, vehicle impact, etc.), have resulted in the need to repair concrete structures and to do so in a timely, efficient fashion, with minimal disruption to the traveling public. Thus, the need for rapid, cement-based repair materials has emerged, especially in highly congested urban areas. This project included a comprehensive laboratory-based program, as well as a significant field component, aimed at addressing this critical infrastructure need. The goals of the research project were to evaluate a range of rapid repair materials and to provide recommendations on the most efficient, economical, and durable repair materials and methodologies.