Construction control of components and design of polymer zones of bridge expansion joints

Abstract

The article considers the construction control peculiarities of components and design of transition polymer zones of bridge structures expansion joints. The authors have examined the transition zones of expansion joints of in-use bridge structures constructed with polymer concrete. The study revealed the lack of regulatory requirements at the national standardization system documents level. The authors confirmed the possibility of binder composition identification at the organisation of construction control of supplied products in accordance with the requirements of design documentation. The authors also confirmed the possibility of determining the products of chemical reaction during curing of polymer concrete in the transition zone of bridge expansion joints. The authors used a low viscosity liquid epoxy resin based on bisphenol with the inclusion of an amine-type hardener to produce a polymer-concrete mixture. When the components are mixed, a composition is obtained that cures and, when bound to mineral aggregate, provides the product with high strength, water resistance, wear resistance and good adhesion to various substrates. The material obtained for bridge constructions is safe for the environment and does not react with various agents. The method of infrared spectroscopy allows identifying the initial substances and reaction products with the probability of coincidence from 70 to 97%.