Life-cycle analysis of a new composite material for bridge pavementwaterproofing

one of the most critical issues related to bridge management and preventive maintenance is deck waterproofing. Infiltration of meteoric and rain-wash water into the bridge asphalt pavement through unsealed cracks could produce a series of chain events that leads towards an accelerated decay of the bridge structural adequacy. Actions like crack sealing and general waterproofing are main activities; they can in fact slow down the deterioration and reduce the life-cycle costs. An effective protection system against water is one of the key factors for a functional and efficient bridge management plan. However, benefits associated with such maintenance activities are seldom correctly accounted and, in many instances, they are not even considered at all. Consequently many road bridge authorities do not include pavement preventive maintenance activities in their infrastructures management programs. Recent research has resulted in the development of new technologies in the field of crack sealing and pavement waterproofing. In this context, a new composite material for waterproofing interlayer membranes, to be “cold applied” (with great benefit for environment and workers) was studied and also tested in full scale experiments by Politecnico of Milano researchers. This paper presents the main characteristics and the performances of this new technology, applied to bridge pavements, followed by a life-cycle analysis to quantitatively show the savings of the road bridge authority and the benefits of the users (in terms of improved condition of the bridge pavement surface). The results obtained are of general validity as they can be extended to all similar technologies.