Effectiveness of High-Early Strength Concrete Class 50AF with Polypropylene Fibers as a Cost-Effective Alternative for Field-Cast Connections of Precast Elements in Accelerated Bridge Construction

Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) methods are relatively new in the U.S. and Idaho. ABC requires that bridge precast concrete components be effectively connected to one another in the field. Currently Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is used to connect precast bridge deck panels or girders in 6-in. wide closure pours between the precast elements. As an alternative, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is proposing to place High-Early Strength (HES) concrete with polypropylene fibers (compressive strength of minimum 5 ksi in 28 days) in 10-in. closure pours between girders. There are several advantages to this alternate material. An experimental and numerical research project was carried out at Idaho State University to determine the effectiveness of the alternate material and the connection detail. The experimental work consisted of small specimen testing and larger specimens with headed bars. Among the six closure pour concrete mixes considered, one was selected that had the largest compressive and tensile strength values and the lowest shrinkage value. Using the results of the larger specimens, a finite element model of the new connection was developed. The behavior of the ITD’s 10-in. closure pour connection with the optimum mix longitudinally placed between precast girders of a bridge was studied. For this analysis, the AASHTO’s requirements for Strength I, Service I, and Fatigue I Limit States were considered.

  • Record URL:
  • Record URL:
  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Sponsoring Agency Code RP 265.
  • Corporate Authors:

    Idaho State University, Pocatello

    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
    Pocatello, ID  United States  83209-8060

    Idaho Transportation Department

    Division of Engineering Services, Contracting Services, Research Program
    P.O. Box 7129
    Boise, ID  United States  83707-7129

    Federal Highway Administration

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Ebrahimpour, Arya
    • Mashal, Mustafa
    • Casanova, Maximilian
    • Rashique, Utsa
    • Clauson, Christopher
    • Shokrgozar, Ali
  • Publication Date: 2018-7

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Web
  • Edition: Final Report
  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 130p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01853395
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-ID-16-246
  • Contract Numbers: ISU-17-01
  • Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Jul 29 2022 9:20AM