United States Department of Transportation
i
Waterproofing Details of Connections for Adjacent Precast Concrete Box-Beam Bridges
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2018-10-01
[PDF-18.47 MB]
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Edition:Final Report, 01/06/2014 to 11/01/2018
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Abstract:Development of cracks at the longitudinal joints of non-composite box-beam bridges is often a recurring problem that causes water leakage at the joints and corrosion of the embedded prestressing strands. Satisfactory performance of such bridges depends on the effectiveness of the key way, waterproofing membrane, and tie rods, as well as the related construction processes. The primary objective of this study was to identify the sources, causes, and effects of inadequate waterproofing at the joints and to develop prevention measures. The performance of waterproofing membranes and the structural performance of key way joints with the existing and new grout materials were evaluated and correlated with field measurements under traffic loading. Observations of construction practices at a box-beam bridge were also made, and an investigation of a bridge that was in service for 32 years at the time of its demolition was conducted. This study revealed that membrane failure is not the primary cause of water leakage. From the limited site inspections performed in this project, the practices followed at construction sites seem to be flawed and may be largely contributing to water leakage problems in box-beam bridges. In addition, key way joints that use currently specified ODOT geometry and ODOT-approved grouts are incapable of carrying any shear loads in conjunction with out-of-plane moments. Shear transfer strength of key way joints under symmetric loading can be increased through proper selection of grout material, changes to the key way geometry, and proper joint surface preparation. In beam configurations, this strength can increase by a factor of up to 3.5 prior to the occurrence of the first crack. With suitable modifications, it is possible to increase the shear strength of these joints under eccentric loading as well. The new key way geometries and grouts developed and validated in this project, along with modified construction specifications, were successfully implemented in a 55-ft. long new bridge constructed in Shelby, Ohio.
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