Behavior of Ultra-High Performance Concrete Connections between Precast Bridge Deck Elements

The Federal Highway Administration’s ongoing research program into the use of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) in highway bridges has recently begun focusing on deck-level connections between modular precast components. In conjunction with the New York State DOT, researchers at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center are investigating whether the exceptional durability, high strengths, and superior bonding characteristics of UHPC led themselves to the development of a new generation of connection details applicable to modular bridge components. A physical testing program has been initiated in which subassemblages of full-scale precast bridge deck panels are connected via UHPC closure pours then cycled under repeated truck wheel loadings. The test program has six specimens, with variables including joint orientation, slab thickness, reinforcement configuration, and reinforcement type. None of the specimens include any pre- or posttensioning. Test results to date, along with two NYSDOT bridges constructed in 2009, demonstrate the potential viability of using UHPC as a closure pour material.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Concrete Bridge Council

  Portland Cement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Road
  Skokie, IL  United States  60077-1083

  Portland Cement Association

  5420 Old Orchard Road
  Skokie, IL  United States  60077

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Graybeal, Benjamin A
• Conference:
  • 2010 Concrete Bridge Conference: Achieving Safe, Smart & Sustainable Bridges
  • Location: Phoenix Arizona
  • Date: 2010-2-24 to 2010-2-26
• Publication Date: 2010

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 13p
• Monograph Title: 2010 Concrete Bridge Conference Proceedings: Achieving Safe, Smart & Sustainable Bridges

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge construction; Bridge decks; Bridge members; High performance concrete; Modular structures; Precast concrete; Structural connection; Ultra high performance concrete
• Uncontrolled Terms: Deck closures; Structural behavior
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01165339
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 19 2010 11:16AM