The biggest benefits of bridge deck waterproofing systems

Bridge deck waterproofing systems are an essential tool to protect bridges from the deterioration that can occur through exposure to Australia’s unique weather and climate conditions. Without such protection, concrete and steel degradation can occur on both new bridges and restoration projects, creating risks to structural durability and road users’ safety. 

Selecting a proven, standards-certified and locally compliant waterproof bridge deck membrane, such as the Matacryl WPM system, has a number of benefits that can help to shield and repair the structure, while also providing assurance that the product is safe, extensively tested and fit for purpose. 

Tested and certified in accordance with internationally accepted standards, including some of the most stringent such as BBA HAPAS, ASTM and KIWA, the Matacryl WPM system has undergone local testing to ensure it can withstand the Australian climate, and is compliant with the Victorian Department of Transport (Section 691) and Transport for New South Wales B343. 

Matacryl WPM bonds with the bridge’s substrate and asphalt overlay to enhance and extend its service life. It can be used on new bridge constructions, routine maintenance or bridge rehabilitation where uneven or irregular surface profiles exist. 

Installation and performance benefits 

The Matacryl WPM system is fast curing, making it ideal for construction projects on a tight schedule. The rapid set time reduces ‘possession’ and enables fast installation, lower labour costs and far quicker handover times to subsequent construction phases. Its elongation of >300 per cent in excess of other conventional resin systems makes it a market leader for this technology.

Made from 100 per cent solid, reactive resin content, the system can be installed in a wide range of ambient temperatures, from -20ºC to +35ºC, to extend the construction season in all Australian regions. It is also weather-resistant and ready for use 60 minutes after application including rainfall.

Once installed, the Matacryl WPM system provides a total envelope of protection against chlorides and other deleterious substances. 

Its durability against rail ballast, backfill and construction equipment and traffic, has been proven on some of Australia’s most iconic bridges and biggest bridge projects including the West Gate Bridge, Princes Bridge, and on 47 bridges for the Pacific Complete W2B (Woolgoolga to Ballina) project in New South Wales.

The Pacific W2B project was a major upgrade of New South Wales’ Pacific Highway, delivering a 155km stretch of a safer, four-lane divided road. 

As part of the upgrade, Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) required an effective system to waterproof and provide effective corrosion inhibition to the decks of 47 bridges, measuring a total of 24,000m2. The system also needed to be TfNSW B343 compliant and BBA certified – a combination that very few products on the Australian market can offer. 

TfNSW chose the Matacryl WPM system, which was implemented on the bridge decks prior to the installation of asphalt wearing layers. 

Raw Worx carried out the installations in the northern section of the project for various head contractors, with the Matacryl WPM installation occurring on bridge decks between 2019 and 2020. The balance of the bridges was carried out by CPR Australia.

Across all of these bridges, Matacryl Primer was applied to the substrate, followed by one layer of Matacryl Membrane, and a layer of Matacryl STC Tack Coat. Finally, as the asphalt wearing course being applied over the waterproofing system was 80mm, an additional layer ofMatacryl Tack Coat No 1 was applied, to ensure adequate bond of the Asphalt. 

As the Matacryl WPM system is fast curing, it was ideal for the Pacific W2B Project due to the amount of construction traffic on the project. It was ready for use 60 minutes after application – rain, hail or shine. The rapid set time facilitated rapid handover times, which were crucial for the construction phases of the project.