Causes of deterioration of precast bridge piles: an experimental study

Recently several cases of deterioration have been noted in precast bridge piles located in marine environments. The deterioration has been attributed to alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR), delayed ettringite formation (DEF), and salt attack on concrete, or a combination of some of these factors. Moreover, similar cases of deterioration have also been noted in non-marine conditions. To clarify the influence of the different factors, 16 precast and cast-in-situ, reinforced model piles were manufactured, which incorporated different types of aggregates and sulfate contents, at ambient temperature (20 degrees C) or by steam curing at 85 degrees C. Strain measurements were made on both concrete and reinforcement bars under marine and non-marine exposure conditions. Significant expansion associated with cracking has occurred in the piles containing the reactive aggregate, and the expansion appears to be larger in the bottom, wet areas of piles than in the top, drier areas Representative piles have been repaired by epoxy-bonded, fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping, and concrete jacketing, and are being monitored, through extended strain measurement, to evaluate the effectiveness of the repair. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214936.

• Record URL:
  http://arrbknowledge.com
• Authors:
  • SHAYAN, A
  • XU, A
  • HII, A
• Publication Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 14P
• Serial:
  • AUSTROADS BRIDGE CONFERENCE, 6TH, 2006, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
  • Publisher: AUSTROADS

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alkali silica reactions; Bridges; Building materials; Conferences; Deicing chemicals; Deterioration; Maintenance; Piles (Supports); Precast concrete; Reinforcing materials; Tests
• ITRD Terms: 5222: Alkali silica reaction; 3455: Bridge; 8525: Conference; 5255: Deterioration; 3847: Maintenance; 4555: Material (constr); 3399: Pile; 4792: Precast concrete; 3471: Reinforcement (in mater); 6255: Test
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I32: Concrete; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01051018
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Jun 11 2007 1:09PM