KCTRP: Fluorescing Coatings for Improved Inspection During Bridge Maintenance Painting 09-377

OBJECTIVES: The objectives for this project are to: 1) 1. Obtain fluorescing coatings from manufacturers for maintenance and new construction painting (1-, 2- and 3-coat systems). Evaluate these coatings/systems under anticipated lighting conditions and identify those suitable for use on experimental bridge painting projects. 2) Identify several structures suitable for maintenance painting (overcoating and/or total removal projects). Develop specifications for experimental maintenance painting projects and coordinate the pre-bid/pre-construction meetings necessary for project implementation. Suitable coatings identified in Objective 1 wilJ be specified for use in the experimental projects. 3) Monitor the experimental painting project(s) to assess the utility of the fluorescing coatings in providing enhanced inspections by revealing a range of intentionally placed coatings defects ranging from porosity to inadequate coatings thicknesses. These coatings/defects will be analyzed by KYTC and, perhaps, consultant coatings inspectors. 4) Based upon findings in Objective 3, implement a follow-on test program to obtain a wider range of suitable fluorescing coatings from manufacturers interested in promoting that technology. Perform accelerated weathering/corrosion testing on fluorescing coatings used in the experimental bridge painting project(s) and others identified during this round of coatings solicitations. Acceptable coatings systems will be placed on KYTC qualified products lists.