EVALUATION OF WEARING SURFACE SYSTEMS FOR ORTHOTROPIC STEEL-PLATE BRIDGE DECKS

Six wearing surface materials were evaluated as potential replacements for the existing wearing surface on the Poplar Street Bridge in St. Louis. The materials were 2 asphaltic concretes, 3 epoxy concretes, and a methyl-methacrylate concrete. Lab tests included fatigue tests (flexural) at 0 deg R and at a range of 0 to 160 deg F. Concurrently, test sections of the same material were placed on the bridge and monitored for 1-2 years. Recorded strains were correlated with the laboratory fatigue tests. One of the proprietary epoxy concretes was recommended, although none of them performed as well as desired.