Field Demonstration of Durable Link Slabs for Jointless Bridge Decks Based on Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites

The research presented herein describes the development of durable link slabs for jointless bridge decks based on strainhardening cementitious composite - engineered cementitious composite (ECC). Specifically the superior ductility of ECC was utilized to accommodate bridge deck deformations imposed by girder deflection, concrete shrinkage, and temperature variations, providing a cost-effective solution to a number of deterioration problems associated with bridge deck joints. Based on the findings within, the implementation of a durable ECC link slab is possible in a standard bridge deck reconstruction scenario. This report includes development of theoretical guidelines for compete design of an ECC link slab, example calculations, desk references, sample design drawings, material specifications, and contractual special provisions. In addition to these documents, the results of full scale mixing trials and demonstrations are summarized and recommendations are made along with batching sequences and mix designs for large scale mixing. A summary of construction practices and procedures is also included, followed by the results of full scale load testing on the completed ECC link slab demonstration bridge. Conclusions within the report reveal that with the aid of design documents provided within, the design of an ECC link slab element can be completed with little difficulty by Department of Transportation design engineers. The mixing of ECC material at commercial concrete plants can also produce a large scale version of the material similar in mechanical performance to laboratory grade material. The construction of an ECC link slab can be completed by a general contractor with some additional care when working with this new material. Finally, load tests conclude that the ECC link slab functions as designed under bending loads.

• Record URL:
  https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/SpecProv/getDocumentById.htm?docGuid=8b842aee-f63f-4fda-904a-390cd6f3fdbc
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Brown Building
  2355 Hayward Street
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109-2125

  Michigan Department of Transportation

  Construction and Technology Division, P.O. Box 30049
  Lansing, MI  United States  48909
• Authors:
  • Li, Victor C
  • Lepech, Michael D
  • Li, M
• Publication Date: 2005-12-21

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 265p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Cement; Cracking; Deterioration; Durability; Jointless bridges; Reconstruction; Shrinkage; Strain hardening
• Uncontrolled Terms: Link slab bridges
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01115030
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Research Report RC-1471
• Contract Numbers: Master Contract #03-0026
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 25 2008 7:31AM