Watertightness of each system was determined by measuring the electrical impedance across a test specimen perpendicular to the direction of bond orientation in the pavement. The bond strength between each material of the paving systems was assessed using a shear test apparatus designed and built for this study. In addition to the laboratory constructed specimens, three drilled cores were taken from a bridge located on Creekside Drive in East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania. The deck was constructed using the new design proposed in this research and each core was tested for watertightness and bond strength. Results of watertightness testing indicated that low temperature environments appear to be most detrimental to system integrity in both the existing and proposed paving system configurations examined in this research. In general, each membrane appeared to perform equally well in the proposed paving system configuration as well as with all of the wood preservative treatments used in the existing pavement system.

This report will analyze the nature and purpose of concrete sealants with a particular emphasis on sealants that protect against radon infiltration through concrete foundations into buildings and the environmental impact of these products. Concrete sealants used in building construction help maintain the longevity of the resources used in construction by insuring that they will not need to be frequently replaced. Because concrete is used in such large quantities in construction, it is essential that it be protected against deterioration as well as offer protection against outside substances that may be harmful to a building?s inhabitants. For these reasons, concrete used in construction must maintain its structural integrity for the entire expected lifetime of the building. Concrete sealants serve two main purposes: they can be used to cure newly laid concrete so that it sets uniformly and forms a surface impenetrable by dust that is also ideal for gluing down tile or other flooring, and they can be used to actually seal the concrete from moisture, acids, and other chemicals (including radon) both to block these substances? entry into the building as well as keep them from weakening the concrete.

After exploring the nature of concrete porosity and the dangers it poses, we will look at how concrete sealants work, St. Olaf?s use of concrete sealants, and then compare several sealants (including one that St. Olaf College has favored). An essential consideration in our evaluation of these sealants will be how environmentally friendly they are. As our guideline for this, we will use the ?Environmental Impact Questionnaires? developed by Michael Braungart and William McDonough for use by companies interested in ?green? design. Our final conclusion will be a recommendation of the product we believe excels the others in both greenness and utility.

Various techniques of concrete waterproofing are widely applied in the world today. However, in conditions of radiation many of these techniques can bring not a profit but irreparable damage of durability and reliability of a concrete construction; for instance, when waterproofing materials contain organic constituents, polymers etc. Application of new technology or materials in basic construction elements requires in-depth analysis and thorough testing. The price of an error might be very large.