Ultratect HP and Ultratect WR were applied to a bridge in Fukuoka Prefecture to ensure long-term durability.

Challenges in Bridge Preservation and the Background Behind the Adoption of Ultratect HP and Ultratect WR

To ensure long-term durability of the bridge in Fukuoka Prefecture, an optimal combination of surface modification and waterproofing was required.

Bridge Deterioration Before Treatment

• Progression of Carbonation
  A drop in concrete pH was observed, making carbonation suppression an urgent priority.
• Occurrence of Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR)
  Cracks had formed, allowing water intrusion and posing a risk of further deterioration.
• Severe Water Ingress
  Existing hydrophilic modifiers were insufficient to prevent water penetration, leading to the conclusion that a penetrating water-repellent agent was needed.

In pre-application exposure tests comparing products from five manufacturers, Ultratect HP and Ultratect WR received high evaluations and were selected.

The application of Ultratect HP and Ultratect WR effectively blocks moisture from entering the concrete, helping to suppress the progression of carbonation and alkali-silica reaction.

Reasons for Combining Ultratect WR and Ultratect HP

The original design included a hydrophilic modifier, but the method required low-pressure water spraying both before and after application, which increased the complexity of the work process.
As a result, the combination of Ultratect WR and Ultratect HP, offering easy application, waterproofing, and durability, was selected as the most practical solution.

To enhance the durability of the bridge, Ultratect WR and Ultratect HP were applied in a way that leveraged their respective properties.

Features and Reasons for Selecting Ultratect WR

• Combines High Waterproofing and Breathability
  Prevents deterioration without trapping moisture inside the concrete.
• Suppresses Efflorescence and Cracking
  As a water-repellent agent with strong impregnation capability, it repels water from the concrete surface, preventing efflorescence and water intrusion.
• Improves Work Efficiency
  Simple application using a roller or sprayer enhances on-site productivity.

Features and Reasons for Selecting Ultratect HP

• Protects Concrete Without Forming a Surface Film
  Provides waterproofing performance while maintaining breathability.
• Suppresses Salt Damage, Carbonation, and Freeze?Thaw Damage
  Blocks moisture from entering the concrete, significantly improving durability.
• No Pre- and Post-Wetting Required
  Unlike hydrophilic modifiers, it eliminates unnecessary wetting steps before and after application.

With these characteristics, Ultratect HP and Ultratect WR were selected as the optimal solution for extending the service life of the bridge, especially under conditions that conventional hydrophilic modifiers could not adequately address.

Application Method Used for the Bridge

Surface Preparation

• Cracks of 0.2 mm or wider were repaired.
• Heavily soiled areas were cleaned and prepared for coating.

Application of Ultratect WR

• Standard application rate: 200cc/㎡
• Application methods: roller, sprayer, or brush

Additional Treatment

In areas where carbonation was pronounced, Ultratect HP was first applied at 100 cc/㎡.
On the following day, Ultratect WR was applied at 200 cc/㎡.

Applied by roller to the underside of the bridge deck.

Ultratect WR quickly penetrates the concrete structure without dripping.
This allows for application even in confined workspaces and also helps minimize material loss.

A brush was used in narrower areas where a roller could not reach.

This case demonstrated that the combination of Ultratect HP and Ultratect WR contributed significantly to extending the service life of the bridge and other concrete structures, reducing maintenance costs, and improving infrastructure durability.

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