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NCHRP 244
Conc rete Sea l er s Study and Repor t
1978
Prompted by the ever-increasing corrosion problems affecting the nation’s bridges, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)
awardedWJE a large research contract to study the performance of concrete sealers. The objective of the study, which resulted in this far-reaching NCRHP
publication, was to evaluate the effectiveness of sealers used to protect reinforced concrete bridges exposed to deicing salts and to provide guidance for
the successful use of sealers on bridge members. The study evaluated the ability of the most commonly used sealers to prevent migration of moisture
and salts into concrete. As part of this study, unique climate chambers were devised and constructed in theWJE laboratories to simulate exposure of the
sealers in harsh northern and southern climates.
NCHRP 244, Concrete Sealers for Protection of Bridge Structures
, printed in December 1981, was the first WJE research project for the
Federal Highway Administration. The report is still widely used by manufacturers, owners, and engineers as the standard reference for testing
and comparing sealers.
Notes of Interest
• The American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has a similar standard
test method, but it requires abrading the surface to simulate
wear. The NCHRP 244 method does not require abrading.
• This report remains widely used as the standard method
for testing and comparing sealer capabilities.
A breakthrough study by WJE that established acceptance criteria for concrete sealers and confirmed
WJE as experts on protecting concrete bridges. – Ian Chin
Before this landmark research project, DOTs did not know which sealers would perform—now they
know. – Gary Klein
The second best selling NCHRP report. This report was of great importance to every U.S., Canadian,
and European transportation department. – Don Pfeifer
WJE 50 Years