Evaluation of Durability of Next-Generation Concrete Surface on Bridge Deck Pavement with Latex-Modified Concrete
This study evaluates the potential changes in durability when the next-generation concrete surface (NGCS) method is applied to latexmodified concrete (LMC) for bridge deck pavements. Whereas the NGCS method effectively reduces noise and improves drivability on concrete pavement surfaces, concerns have been raised regarding potential durability degradation due to reduced pavement thickness resulting from surface abrasion and increased exposure to the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). Accordingly, this study utilized field cores obtained from the Incheon Bridge and Beonam Bridge as well as laboratory-mixed specimens with varying latex incorporation rates to test their resistance to rapid chloride penetration, chloride ion diffusion coefficient, accelerated carbonation, freeze–thaw cycles, surface spalling, and abrasion resistance. Experimental results showed that the application of NGCS decreased salt damage resistance due to surface abrasion and increased ITZ exposure. However, the carbonation resistance, freeze–thaw resistance, surface spalling resistance, and abrasion resistance improved owing to the removal of the laitance layer. Furthermore, utilizing LMC bridge deck pavements maintained high watertightness and excellent durability through additional hydration. In particular, all the test results satisfied the quality standards for bridge deck pavements, thus indicating that sufficient durability can be secured even when the NGCS is applied in actual field conditions. Therefore, the NGCS does not significantly degrade the overall durability when applied to LMC bridge deck pavements and is highly feasible in securing long-term serviceability, noise reduction, and improved drivability. The reliability of applying the NGCS can be further improved performing additional long-term monitoring and serviceability evaluations in actual bridge environments in the future.