Applicability of decorative concrete overlays as a context sensitive solution for vertical infrastructure

The concept of applying Decorative Concrete Overlays (DCO) in infrastructure is an innovative solution that supports the widespread implementation of green engineering through Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS). The purpose of this research was to determine the limits of durability on decorative concrete overlay in terms of bond strength. Although DCO has been used extensively in horizontal applications such as sidewalks and driveways, the parameters of feasibility and durability must be tested for its use on vertical infrastructure surfaces (bridge piers, traffic barriers, noise walls, etc.). This study looks at initial evaluation of these parameters by conducting laboratory testing to measure flexural fatigue and adhesion strength of DCO on two sets of specimens varying in age; 28 days old vs. 125 days old. The flexural fatigue results proved that the bond between concrete and DCO was very effective. Even though the concrete finally failed under the increasing load, the DCO product remained completely bonded as evidenced by the cracked chips of specimen surface. The adhesion strength of the DCO bond to beam specimens varied and results indicated that this difference in strength is due to the thickness of the DCO coating rather than the age of the concrete.