SOLUTION
The state of rail‑bridge infrastructure in Missouri and across the U.S. underscores the urgency behind this project. In Missouri alone, there are nearly 24,647 bridges statewide. Of these, more than 1,300 are classified as “structurally deficient,” meaning one or more critical components are rated in poor or worse condition.

In this project, the Guardian‑RT™ system (comprising FT‑6160 Epoxy Primer, FT‑2202 Polyurea, and FT‑7000 Polyurea Volumetric Ballast Mat) was chosen to restore and protect the bridge deck surfaces from water infiltration, freeze–thaw damage, and ballast infiltration amongst other threats.

The Freedom Guardian RT 6160 epoxy primer was installed after the concrete decks were mechanically cleaned and prepared, then tested for adhesion in accordance to AREMA guidelines Chapter 8, Part 29. Soon after, the FT-2202 BMW (Bridge Membrane Waterproofing), an extremely tough and fast setting (10 seconds) spray applied waterproofing membrane was installed to offer long design life and create a seamless waterproofing membrane to the bridge deck. Lastly the BMW was protected by Freedom’s Patterned Spray Applied VBM (Volumetric Ballast Mat) which instantly rises when sprayed to create a thick and super tough protective ballast mat that doesn’t absorb water and tuff to protect against ballast and track maintenance. Freedom Guardian RT was a key component in ensuring the long-term design life of the CPKC rail bridge with many key assets:

• Provides a seamless, elastomeric barrier that prevents water and chloride ingress into the bridge deck concrete or steel deck elements.

• Offers adhesion and protection under heavy rail load cycles, minimizing micro‑cracking and delamination at the substrate interface.

• Delivers rapid cure and return‑to‑service (RTS) times to reduce track outage durations and operational disruptions.

• Adds an impact/ballast‑protection layer (via the FT‑7000 VBM) to shield waterproofing under the ballast load environment.