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. Current design concept of link slabs was first examined to form the basis of design for ECC link slabs. Microstructurally optimized ECC material, with good workability and satisfactory mechanical properties was then developed. After the material design, the shrinkage, shrinkage crack resistance and the freeze-thaw behavior of the pre-selected mix proportion was investigated and revealed excellent for the durability concern. Improved design of ECC link slab/concrete deck slab interface was confirmed in numerical analysis and further strengthened by excellent reinforcement pullout and shear stud pushout behavior in ECC. Based on the above findings, monotonic and subsequent cyclic tests of full-scale ECC link slab specimens were performed and compared with those of a conventional concrete link slab. It was revealed that the inherent tight crack width control of ECC decouples the dependency of crack width on the amount of reinforcement. This decoupling allows the simultaneous achievement of structural need (lower flexural stiffness of the link slab approaching the behavior of a hinge) and durability need (crack width control) of the link slab. Overall investigation supports the contention that durable jointless concrete bridge decks may be designed and constructed with ECC link slabs. Finally, a simple design guideline is presented.

• Record URL:
  https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/SpecProv/getDocumentById.htm?docGuid=fbc569f1-d602-436b-80e9-863c01870ea9
• 
• 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
  • Fischer, G
  • Kim, Y
  • Lepech, Michael D
  • Qian, Shunzhi
  • Weimann, M
  • Wang, S
• Publication Date: 2003-11-16

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 107p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Cement; Concrete bridges; Deterioration; Durability; Freeze thaw durability; Jointless bridges; Strain hardening
• Uncontrolled Terms: Crack width; Link slab bridges
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01115249
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Research Report RC-1438
• Contract Numbers: Master Contract # 95-0242
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 25 2008 7:32AM