Latex modified concrete for bridge overlay and pavement: longevity and sustainability.

Extending service life of infrastructures is one of the most important aspects of sustainable development. Latex modified concrete (LMC) for bridge overlay and functional pavement such as airport runways, concrete roads, and parking garages etc. has been a proven technology for more than 40 years. Increased durability, resistance to permeation, lower maintenance, and lower total costs compared to repair alternatives are all benefits delivered in a latex modified concrete system. Bridges with LMC overlay often have a life span of more than 20 years without maintenance. Its superior resistance against water and chloride ions prevents corrosion and damage to the bridge structure from deicing chemicals to achieve longevity. Dow Reichhold styrene butadiene latex offers a unique combination of properties that result in superior performance and value: compatibility with portland cement; improved workability at low water-cement ratios; excellent adhesion; resistance to water and chloride ions; non-brittleness with a lower modulus of elasticity; excellent abrasion resistance; and low cost over the life cycle of the project. Dow Reichhold latex allows less thickness for overlay or pavement with longer durability and offers a sustainable technology. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214938.