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.
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Supplemental Notes:
- Sponsoring Agency Code RP 265.
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Corporate Authors:
Idaho State University, Pocatello
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Pocatello, ID United States 83209-8060Idaho Transportation Department
Division of Engineering Services, Contracting Services, Research Program
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID United States 83707-7129Federal 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
- TRT Terms: Accelerated bridge construction; Bridge decks; Concrete; High early strength cement; Polypropylene; Precast concrete
- Identifier Terms: Idaho Transportation Department
- Geographic Terms: Idaho
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; Materials;
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