Evaluation of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete for use in Bridge Connections and Repair

The project described in this report evaluated available proprietary ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) materials and UHPC mix designs made with local materials for applicability to bridge joint installation and repair in Oklahoma and developed recommendations for continued usage of UHPC in bridge construction in Oklahoma. Phase 1 of the project developed a promising UHPC mix design, J3,using local materials.Two specific applications of UHPC were considered: deck slab joints and girder continuity connections. Initial investigation of deck slab joint details was conducted using small-scale flexural specimens to evaluate bond strength between UHPC and base concrete. Laboratory-scale full-depth joints were cast and tested using both the proprietary UHPC material and the OU developed J3 mix design. Laboratory-scale UHPC connections for live load continuity between precast girders were also designed and tested to failure. Two different connection details were used, one representing new construction and one representing retrofit of an existing structure. Afield test involving retrofit of an existing expansion joint with UHPC joint headers was conducted on a bridge identified in conjunction with ODOT and was monitored for almost three years.Phase 2 involved slab testing for a partial depth slab joint detail, examination of reinforcement bond, and durability testing of both proprietary and non-proprietary UHPC. UHPC bond to concrete substrate was also examined for different surface preparations and base concrete saturation levels. The findings of the research indicate that UHPC provides improved performance relative to conventional materials for the applications tested and the J3 mix design exhibits similar performance to proprietary UHPC.

• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57404
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Oklahoma, Norman

  Fears Structural Engineering Laboratory, 303 E Chesapeake
  Norman, OK  United States  73019

  Oklahoma Department of Transportation

  Office of Research and Implementation
  Oklahoma City, OK  United States  73105

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Floyd, Royce W
  • Volz, Jeffery S
  • Funderburg, Chandler K
  • McDaniel, Amy S
  • Looney, Trevor
  • Choate, Jake
  • Roswurm, Stephen
  • Casey, Connor
  • Coleman, Raina
  • Leggs, Maranda
  • Chea, Kim Serey Vuth
• Publication Date: 2021-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 358p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bond strength (Materials); Bridge construction; Concrete bridges; Joints; Repairing; Ultra high performance concrete
• Geographic Terms: Oklahoma
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01783029
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-OK-21-03
• Contract Numbers: ODOT SPR Item Number 2276
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 27 2021 9:45AM