United States Department of Transportation
i
Investigation of panel-to-panel connections and block-outs for full-depth precast concrete bridge decks.
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2015-06-01
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Abstract:Experimental tests were performed at Virginia Tech to investigate transverse panel-to-panel connections and horizontal shear
connector block-outs for full-depth precast concrete bridge deck panels. The connections were designed for a deck replacement
project for a rural three-span continuous steel beam bridge in Virginia. Two reinforced and four post-tensioned connections were
designed and tested in cyclical loading. Each connection was tested on a full-scale, two-beam setup in negative bending with a
simulated HS-20 vehicle. The block-outs for the horizontal shear connections were also scrutinized during construction and testing.
Several surface treatments were investigated to determine the best strategy to limit cracking and leakage at the grout-concrete
interface. The strain profile, cracking patterns, and ponding results are presented for all specimens.
The reinforced connections and two post-tensioned connections with 167 psi initial stress experienced cracking and leaked
water by the end of the cyclic loading regime. In two connections post-tensioned with an initial compressive stress of 340 psi, the
tensile stress in the deck under full live load remained below approximately 3√(f'c). These transverse connections did not leak water,
did not have full-depth cracking, and maintained a nearly linear strain distribution throughout the design life. Full-depth deck panels
may be effectively used on continuous bridges if post-tensioning force is applied to the transverse connections to keep the total
tensile stress (remaining prestress minus live load stress) below 3√(f'c) .
The block-outs with a sand-blasted surface or an epoxy primer combined with a grout that met the requirements recommended
by Scholz et al. (2007) had only slight water leakage, and had smaller cracks at the grout-concrete interface than the control samples.
These surface treatments are recommended for best long-term performance.
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