Which condition is commonly indicated by deterioration of stay-in-place forms?

Which condition is commonly indicated by deterioration of stay-in-place forms?

• A. Water infiltration
• B. Structural damage
• C. Contamination of concrete decks
• D. Increased porosity

Answer: (C)

Stay-in-place forms are embedded in the concrete and often include materials that can leave residues as they age. When these forms deteriorate, the breakdown products or residues can migrate into the concrete surface, contaminating the deck. This contamination affects surface quality, bonding for coatings or overlays, and overall deck durability, making it the most direct indicator of the forms’ deterioration. While water infiltration, structural damage, or increased porosity can occur in bridge decks, they’re not the specific consequence most closely tied to deteriorating stay-in-place forms.

Stay-in-place forms are embedded in the concrete and often include materials that can leave residues as they age. When these forms deteriorate, the breakdown products or residues can migrate into the concrete surface, contaminating the deck. This contamination affects surface quality, bonding for coatings or overlays, and overall deck durability, making it the most direct indicator of the forms’ deterioration. While water infiltration, structural damage, or increased porosity can occur in bridge decks, they’re not the specific consequence most closely tied to deteriorating stay-in-place forms.