Details:

Creators:
Tremblay, Jason ; Wild, Jim
Tremblay, Jason ; Wild, Jim Less -
Corporate Creators:
Vermont. Agency of Transportation. Materials and Research Section
Corporate Contributors:
United States. Federal Highway Administration
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Bridge Decks Compressive Strength Concrete Bridges Cracking Of Concrete Pavements Flexural Strength Freeze Thaw Durability High Strength Concrete Mix Design Shrinkage
Publication/ Report Number:
2014-09
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Vermont
Corporate Publisher:
Vermont. Agency of Transportation. Research and Development Section
Abstract:
Cracking of concrete is a common problem with concrete structures such as bridge decks, pavements and bridge

rail. The Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has recently invested in higher performing concrete mixes that are

more impervious and has higher early strength. VTrans has also begun to standardize on bare decks on bridge

rehabilitation projects. Higher strength concrete is more susceptible to cracking. With more decks being

constructed with exposed concrete, the risks of chlorides and other corrosives penetrating to the reinforcing may

lead to early deterioration. Additional moisture within the concrete may compound the deterioration during freeze-thaw periods. These stressors lead to decreased strength, which results in increased maintenance to ensure

safety and durability, a reduction in the overall aesthetics of the structures and a decrease in public confidence and

support. With closer attention made to the concrete mix by the addition of key admixtures, concrete may be able

to perform as desired with fewer resulting problems.

With 22 different concrete mix designs produced and tested for various concrete properties, flexural and

compressive strength, rapid chloride permeability and shrinkage, it is clear that there are seven candidate designs,

given the measured data, which could outperform current VTrans standards. To ensure successful performance of

new mix designs, further testing on each, with additional refining, a second phase of this project has been

approved, with the same testing parameters, to refine the chosen mix designs further. The refining of designs will

entail further optimization of aggregate gradations, as the industry has trended towards reporting benefits of this,

lowering only cement content to achieve design strength within 10% at 28 days while other components remain

unchanged in a mix, and include shrinkage control measures in most if not all mixes.


Format:
PDF
Funding:
RSCH016-710
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:2d84daf3e6cab70cb7319674bd707e52c559d81404660c010e58f20975a0b433
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/28277/dot_28277_DS1.pdf
File Type:

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