The Federal Highway Administration currently is spending 217 billion dollars to repair and rebuild the nation's transportation infrastructure. The 90,000 bridges built in the U.S. during the 1930s are nearing the end of their useful life, while another 223,000 interstate bridges built between 1965 and 1975 need major repairs, including painting.Because bridges are above-ground structures in constant use, they are difficult to maintain. Coatings play a key role in protecting bridge structural steel from corrosion and, therefore, in extending bridge life. These coatings are subject to harsh conditions, particularly around bridge bearings and expansion joints, which collect deicing salts, debris, and water.
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