State of the art of concrete bridge deck waterproofing in Italy: analysis and insights from survey-based data

Concrete bridge waterproofing is a crucial aspect of infrastructure durability, especially in regions with varying climatic conditions and with the presence of chloride due to the seaside. Protecting structures from water infiltration prevents damage, thereby extending their service life and reducing maintenance costs. The waterproofing market today offers a full range of solutions, making it difficult to choose the most appropriate product. This paper presents the analysis of the results of a survey that involved construction companies, public agencies, and organisations in the infrastructure sector operating in motorways, state roads, and provincial roads, equally distributed between North, Central, and South of Italy. The aim is to assess the state of the art of concrete bridge deck waterproofing in Italy. This pilot survey is the preliminary cognitive phase of a larger European Union-funded project (Next Generation EU): Waterproofing Innovations for Concrete Decks (WInCoDe). The findings provide insights into the most employed waterproofing systems in new and existing concrete bridge decks, their selection criteria, the operations carried out during their installation, their effectiveness, and observed weaknesses. Moreover, the study explores emerging trends and potential areas for innovation. This research contributes to enhancing knowledge for improving waterproofing practices and ensuring long-term infrastructure resilience and sustainability.