Rapid-repair cements are important to extending the life of infrastructure. Damage occurs to concrete systems because of poor construction quality, accidents, severe environmental conditions, and general wear and tear. Using rapid-repair materials allows agencies to repair the infrastructure without causing undue service delays and without having to completely shut down roadways, bridges, or tunnels. However, improper use of rapid-repair materials can lead to accelerated deterioration, or the need to re-repair within a short time period. The proposed work will provide agencies with the tools to select the correct class of rapid-repair materials for their particular situation, ensuring the longevity of the repair and improving system resiliency. Additionally, this research will add to the state-of-knowledge regarding the long-term durability of partial-depth repairs to freeze-thaw cycling damage, and their long-term structural capacity after freeze-thaw deterioration.

The intended outcome of the project is to educate the scientific community about the state of the art in rapid-repair materials for transportation infrastructure in terms of durability and in-service performance. The impact of the research will be measured by comparing the expected lifespan of repair systems using the newly developed approach and comparing it with traditional systems.