In the European standard "EN 14224 Flexible sheets for waterproofing - Waterproofing of concrete bridge decks and other concrete surfaces that vehicles can pass through - Determination of crack bridging ability", it is stated that reinforced bituminous sheets used in waterproofing systems in concrete bridge decks and other concrete areas open to vehicle traffic are used in cracks. A test method for determining bridging ability is described.
The ability of the material to bridge cracks and maintain its water sealing performance is known as crack bridging ability. Crack bridging ability measurements are based on analysis of experimental test results performed to simulate the mechanical behavior of a coating as a crack beneath the concrete opens and grows. The concrete cracking method focuses on the influence of thickness and nature of the coating on the crack bridging ability.
In general, experimental results show that:
Crack bridging membrane refers to a specialized membrane used to seal cracks in materials such as epoxy coatings and paints. This membrane is flexible and is used where elongation is critical. Crack bridging membranes can be used in wood, metal, and concrete. This flexible membrane bridges new cracks and reduces stresses resulting from potential crack movement (both dynamic and static cracking), thus also providing corrosion protection.
Structural cracks are cracks caused by improper design, faulty construction, or overloading, and these can compromise the safety of the structure. Non-structural cracks mostly occur due to internal stresses in building materials. These cracks do not normally endanger safety, but they can look bad, give the impression of malfunction or give a feeling of instability.
A bridge deck or roadbed is the roadway or pedestrian crossing surface of a bridge. The deck may be cast-in-place or precast concrete, and the wood may be covered with asphalt concrete or another coating.
The concrete deck can be an integral part of the bridge structure or supported by steel beams, so-called composite bridges. The deck can also be made of other materials such as wood or open steel grating.
Crack bridging properties, in other words, the ability to transmit or cover cracks, means that the coating remains undamaged and maintains its continuity even when scratches occur in the subfloor beneath the surface. There are two types of cracks: static and dynamic. Static cracks are those where the crack forms continuously and linearly. In the case of dynamic scratches, the width of the cracks changes periodically.
Special weather conditions, including temperature, cause these cracks to form on concrete bridge decks and other concrete surfaces that vehicles can pass through. Concrete shrinks in the winter months when the temperature is lowest, and expands in the hot summer days. Cracks in concrete occur, among other things, due to rapid changes in the statics of the upper part and not of the roofed floor slab. Floor covering systems should be determined by architects, taking into account the character of the building, its loads and usage conditions.
Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, has established "EN 14224 Flexible sheets for waterproofing - Waterproofing of concrete bridge decks and other concrete surfaces that vehicles can pass through - It also provides testing services defined in the "Determination of crack bridging ability" standard.
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