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The Evaluation and Use of OAP Coatings for KYTC Bridge Maintenance Painting

The University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) is working with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the structural steel coating industry to develop a revolutionary tool to aid in the inspection of protective coatings applied to steel structures. 

Product Number: 41213-806-SG
Author: Bobby W. Meade, Sudhir Palle , Theodore Hopwood II, Dee McNeil
Publication Date: 2013
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The University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) is working with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the structural steel coating industry to develop a revolutionary tool to aid in the inspection of protective coatings applied to steel structures. It has been long recognized that the service lives of protective coatings on steel structures are closely related to the quality of coatings application. Two very important elements of successful bridge painting projects are linked – inspection and the quality of coatings application. To support that linkage, KTC identified the use of coatings containing Optically Activated Pigments (i.e., OAP coatings) being used by the Department of Defense as a potential inspection tool to assist in the evaluation of application quality. A research study, KYSPR 09-377 “Fluorescing Coatings for Improved Inspection during Bridge Maintenance Painting”, was initiated with the primary objectives of developing laboratory methods for evaluating the effectiveness of OAP coatings and, upon obtaining positive laboratory results, working with the KYTC to conduct a field trial using those coatings. The laboratory work was comprised of two primary elements, constructing mock bridge beams to be coated with OAP coatings for evaluation of inspection effectiveness and accelerated weathering testing to determine OAP coatings performance. Mock-up bridge beams were coated with a variety of systems using OAP coatings. Designed flaws in the applications were cataloged and experienced coating inspectors performed timed inspection assessing the coatings using both normal white light and fluorescing light (to activate the OAPs). Inspection using the fluorescing light increased the flaw detection by 15%. Accelerated weathering (ASTM D 5894) was completed with OAP coatings performing well. Based on the laboratory results, the KYTC used OAP coatings on a maintenance bridge painting project. Results of the field trial revealed some issues with the coatings but also verified that there is potential for beneficial use of this inspection tool. Further field trials are planned to “fine tune” the coatings chemical makeup, handling, application, and inspection procedures.

The University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) is working with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the structural steel coating industry to develop a revolutionary tool to aid in the inspection of protective coatings applied to steel structures. It has been long recognized that the service lives of protective coatings on steel structures are closely related to the quality of coatings application. Two very important elements of successful bridge painting projects are linked – inspection and the quality of coatings application. To support that linkage, KTC identified the use of coatings containing Optically Activated Pigments (i.e., OAP coatings) being used by the Department of Defense as a potential inspection tool to assist in the evaluation of application quality. A research study, KYSPR 09-377 “Fluorescing Coatings for Improved Inspection during Bridge Maintenance Painting”, was initiated with the primary objectives of developing laboratory methods for evaluating the effectiveness of OAP coatings and, upon obtaining positive laboratory results, working with the KYTC to conduct a field trial using those coatings. The laboratory work was comprised of two primary elements, constructing mock bridge beams to be coated with OAP coatings for evaluation of inspection effectiveness and accelerated weathering testing to determine OAP coatings performance. Mock-up bridge beams were coated with a variety of systems using OAP coatings. Designed flaws in the applications were cataloged and experienced coating inspectors performed timed inspection assessing the coatings using both normal white light and fluorescing light (to activate the OAPs). Inspection using the fluorescing light increased the flaw detection by 15%. Accelerated weathering (ASTM D 5894) was completed with OAP coatings performing well. Based on the laboratory results, the KYTC used OAP coatings on a maintenance bridge painting project. Results of the field trial revealed some issues with the coatings but also verified that there is potential for beneficial use of this inspection tool. Further field trials are planned to “fine tune” the coatings chemical makeup, handling, application, and inspection procedures.

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