A test method does not exist that is capable of evaluating the condition of a concrete pavement with regard to the effectiveness of a surface treatment in delaying the rate of alkali aggregate reaction (AAR). A variety of technologies such as impact echo, static modulus, and radar are being used to evaluate the condition or severity level of a pavement. However, these test methods have not been able to quantify the degree that AAR has affected the concrete. It is imperative that a test method be developed or an existing method refined before attempting to evaluate concrete treatments.
The research would focus on developing a cost effective treatment(s) for AAR on affected pavements including treatments with lithium solutions, applications of high molecular weight methacrylates (HMWM) or other polymer systems and silanes used individually or in tandem applications. The project would probably involve a cooperative effort such as a pooled fund project with adjacent states or a interaction with university researchers looking for appropriate field test sites. The primary focus of the research is when should the treatment be applied to realize the greatest benefit. The research would take advantage of extensive prior research and yield guidelines for ASR mitigation in existing pavements based on pavement condition severity.