MECHANIZED VIBRATION OF BRIDGE DECK CONCRETE IN ILLINOIS

Mechanized methods of vibratory concrete consolidation were used on all or part of fourteen bridge decks in Illinois from 1996 to 1998. The method used on twelve decks consisted of vertical insertion of vibrators in a grid pattern. A transverse drag-through process was used on two decks. Cores were analyzed from decks of both types and compared with cores from conventionally poured decks in order to measure differences in entrapped air voids and in-place density. Based on statistical analysis, the grid pattern method was found to be significantly better than both the drag-through and conventional methods for reducing entrapments per square inch and increasing in-place density. The drag-through method was found to be better than the conventional method for reducing entrapments, but no difference was found for density. Segregation was found in the drag-through cores, but not for either the grid pattern or the conventional method. Some problems were noted on construction sites, mainly having to do with increased weight of the finishing machine and the effect of greater vibration intensity on superplasticized concrete. Costs associated with use of the grid pattern method were approximately $6.58 per sq m ($5.50 per sq yd) of bridge deck.

• Record URL:
  http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/pubs/midcon/South.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • The proceedings can be located on-line at www.ctre.iastate.edu/.
• Corporate Authors:

  Iowa State University, Ames

  Center for Transportation Research and Education
  2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700
  Ames, IA  United States  50010-8664
• Authors:
  • South, J M
• Conference:
  • Mid-Continent Transportation Symposium 2000
  • Location: Ames, Iowa
  • Date: 2000-5-15 to 2000-5-16
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 263-267

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air voids; Bridge decks; Construction; Construction equipment; Cores (Specimens); Costs; In place density; Segregation (Aggregates); Statistical analysis; Superplasticizers; Vibratory compaction; Weight
• Uncontrolled Terms: Conventional vibration; Drag-through vibration; Grid vibration
• Geographic Terms: Illinois
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Data and Information Technology; Finance; Highways; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00793313
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0965231046
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 30 2000 12:00AM