Forensic Analysis of a Two-Component Joint Sealant Using FTIR-ATR

by Laurand H. Lewandowski, US Army Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,
Larry N. Lynch, US Army Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,
Rogers Graham, US Army Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Materials: Performance and Prevention of Deficiencies and Failures

Abstract:

Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy using Attenuated Total Internal Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) was used to chemically identify joint sealants obtained from an airfield pavement joint which had failed. The spectra of these samples were compared with samples obtained from the manufacturer and mixed in the laboratory. With FTIR-ATR it was possible to identify the different joint sealants and detect the presence of residual polyurethane joint sealant in a joint newly installed with a polysulfide modified joint sealant. Excellent agreement was observed between the FTIR-ATR spectra of samples installed in the field and samples mixed and cured in the laboratory.

Subject Headings: Joints | Adhesives | Forensic engineering | Airport and airfield pavements | Synthetic materials | Polyurethane | Material failures

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