Overview
For structural elements under severe exposition and/or elements where repair measures or the renewal of the surface protection system would be complex and expensive, the current Fedro technical manual for structures (Fachhandbuch Kunstbauten) [Astra 2007] is recommending the application of multifunctional high-performance surface protection systems which should guarantee an optimal protection against the relevant expositions as well as a long lifetime. Such surface protection systems are nowadays often based on nanotechnology.
Since these products have only recently reached marketability and they are not specifically treated by the new code provisions for surface protection systems (SN EN 1504-2 [CEN 2004]), there are uncertainties regarding the level of protection that can be achieved by such systems as well as the requirements to be specified in tender processes. Furthermore, a comparison of the different surface protection systems based on the product data and tests reported by the producers is possible to limited extent.
The proposed research project shall eliminate the existing uncertainties regarding the achievable properties of multifunctional high-performance surface protection systems and hereby facilitate their application in construction practice, particularly for structures of the Fedro.
In particular, independent tests are carried out as a basis for an objective, direct comparison of the performance of different surface protection systems, and as far as possible, these systems are classified according to SN EN 1504-2 [CEN 2004].
On this basis, minimum requirements are defined that multifunctional high-performance surface protection systems must fulfil if they are to be applied to structures of the Fedro road network
Following steps will be provided during the project:
- Evaluation of products according to specified criteria
- Manufacture and testing of specimens
- Appraisal and evaluation of results for the Astra recommendations for defining the requirements for multi-functional high-performance surface protection systems
Funding
Results
The research project eliminated the existing uncertainties regarding the achievable properties of multifunctional high-performance surface protection systems and hereby facilitate their application in construction practice, particularly for structures of the Fedro. In particular, independent tests are carried out as a basis for an objective, direct comparison of the performance of different surface protection systems, and as far as possible, these systems are classified according to SN EN 1504-2 [CEN 2004].
Key results of the project are as follows:
- minimum requirements for multifunctional high-performance surface protection systems
- the results are summarised in a report and will be included in the Fedro technical manual for structures [Astra 2007
Innovation aspects
The advantages and disadvantages of any of multifunctional high-performance surface protection systems over conventional products are worked out and presented.
Planners / builders (especially Astra): The work provides a basis for comparison and evaluation of multi-functional high-performance surface protection systems will be developed. This is possible a performance-based tendering and an unerring application of these systems in practice.
User / Owner: Notes on the health risk when using the multifunctional surface protection systems
Policy implications
Supplement, clarify and concretization of the leaflet "multifunctional surface protection" of the Astra-skilled manual engineering structures [Astra 2007]