HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE: A SUPERIOR SOLUTION

Several states have started to use high performance concrete (HPC) for bridge construction. Applications include all bridge components: decks, superstructures, and substructures. HPC enhances of ease of placement and compaction, long-term mechanical properties, early-age strength, and durability and service life. Because of its low water cement ratio, HPC is typically stronger than conventional-strength concrete. HPC is valuable where any of the following properties are required: high strength, high early strength, low permeability, resistance to freeze-thaw damage, resistance to chemical (e.g., sulfate) attack, abrasion resistance, low absorption, high resistivity, high modulus of elasticity, and volume stability. Bridge decks built with HPC can be expected to last much longer than those built with conventional concrete. High-strength concrete girders can span longer distances and be used at wider spacings than conventional concrete girders, thus reducing the number of girders required and lowering costs. Alternatively, bridge designers have the option of selecting shallower girders to increase clearances without changing grades. Not only does HPC reduce the size and extend the service life of superstructure and substructure elements, it also allows for more graceful structures. Twelve states are participating in the Federal Highway Administration-sponsored HPC Bridge Showcase program.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07386826
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Rabbat, B G
  • Vanikar, S
• Publication Date: 1998-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 26
• Serial:
  • TR News
  • Issue Number: 194
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0738-6826

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Absorption; Aesthetics; Bridge decks; Bridge substructures; Bridge superstructures; Concrete; Concrete bridges; Cost effectiveness; Durability; Electrical resistivity; Freeze thaw durability; Girders; High performance concrete; High strength concrete; Mechanical properties; Modulus of elasticity; Permeability; Service life; Strength of materials; Sulfates; Water cement ratio
• Uncontrolled Terms: Concrete strength; Sulfate resistance
• Old TRIS Terms: Resistivity
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I32: Concrete;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00746761
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Mar 20 2001 12:00AM