Quantifying the Whole Life Benefit of Preserving Concrete Pavements Using Silicon Reactive Lithium Densifier and Shotblasting – A Promising New Technology

This paper explores the use of lithium based concrete densifier applied over shotblasting as a concrete pavement preservation treatment for locations that are subject to wear due to studded tires, snow chains and snow plowing. The lithium-based treatment was initially developed for anti-scaling and wear resistance properties on concrete pavements to preserve, densify and harden the cement matrix by reacting with the free lime calcium hydroxide to form an insoluble bond calcium silicate hydrate. This study combines laboratory and field tests in California, Delaware, Oklahoma, and Washington, which found that shotblasting the pavement surface and then treating it with the concrete densifier reduces wear/rutting due to abrasion and maintains safe skid numbers for periods of up to 3 years. A stochastic life cycle cost analysis shows this treatment to be a cost effective pavement preservation tool to extend the life of concrete pavements on roads prone to rutting caused by studded snow tires and snow chains. It also finds that the treatment retards the loss of microtexture from aggregate polishing. Finally, the paper does an analysis of the environmental footprint of this form of concrete pavement preservation as compared to current treatment options and finds that the use of lithium based concrete densifier applied over shotblasting is a highly sustainable option for the preservation of concrete pavements in urban areas with significant volumes of traffic.