Evaluation of Cracking Tendency and Unrestrained Shrinkage of High-Performance Concrete Mixers in Cast-in-Place and Precast Bridge Applications

Concrete bridge structures in Canada experience exposure to extreme environmental conditions, such as prolonged low temperatures, frequent freezing and thawing cycles, and, in urban maintenance conditions, extensive use of deicing salts. In addition, windy conditions combined with a very low relative humidity increase the potential for concrete cracking. The intensity of shrinkage of high performance concrete (HPC) is affected not only by the type and duration of the fresh concrete curing but also by high cement content, low water/cementitious materials ratio (w/cm), and the use of silica fume. The amount of unrestrained shrinkage, as identified by laboratory tests, does not always properly characterize the performance of HPC mixes. The restrained shrinkage test in accordance with the provisional AASHTO standard may provide better prediction of early age shrinkage (tendency to crack). In the study described in this paper, the effect of mix parameters and curing regime was reseached extensively. The impact of shrinkage reducing admixtures in comparison with moist curing was assessed for cast-in-place concrete and precast concrete. Based on the results of this study, optimum mix design parameters, curing conditions, and w/cm ranges were determined to satisfy both durability and structural performance of HPC.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0870311808
• Corporate Authors:

  American Concrete Institute (ACI)

  38800 Country Club Drive
  Farmington Hills, MI  United States  48331
• Authors:
  • Czarnecki, Artur A
  • Kroman, J
• Conference:
  • Seventh International Symposium on the Utilization of High Strength/High-Performance Concrete
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2005-6-20 to 2005-6-24
• Publication Date: 2005

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: PP 1315-1328
• Monograph Title: Seventh International Symposium on the Utilization of High Strength/High-Performance Concrete
• Serial:
  • Volume: 1 & 2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Admixtures; Applications; Bridges; Cast in place concrete; Concrete; Concrete curing; Concrete mixing; Cracking; Durability; High performance concrete; Precast concrete; Shrinkage
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Materials; Research; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I32: Concrete;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01005925
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0870311808
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 21 2005 7:59AM