Application of Methacrylate Polymers for Seismic ABC Connections

Previous research has demonstrated the validity and effectiveness of grouted ducts filled with advanced materials such as ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) for seismic accelerated bridge construction (ABC) column-to-footing and column-to-cap beam connections. Accordingly, State DOTs such as Caltrans considered this connection type in ABC pilot project in high seismic areas in California. This connection type was first demonstrated using robust proprietary UHPC mixes. Nonetheless, in an ongoing Caltrans project, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has developed non-proprietary UHPC mix for this specific connection type. Non-proprietary UHPC has also been demonstrated feasible and effective for this connection. However, recent concerns about domestic steel fibers availability and UHPC compliance with the Buy America act are motivating the need to find and validate the use of alternative materials that provide superior bond and anchorage behavior without relying on steel fibers. Polymer-based materials can provide a good candidate for this application, but more research is needed to identify best polymer-based materials and demonstrate its validity using large-scale testing. The aforementioned knowledge gap is the reason for undertaking this project.

• Record URL:
  https://abc-utc.fiu.edu/research-projects/unr-research-projects/application-of-methacrylate-polymers-for-seismic-abc-connections/

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $80000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747121

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)

  Florida International University
  10555 W. Flagler Street
  Miami, FL  United States  33174

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)

  Florida International University
  10555 W. Flagler Street
  Miami, FL  United States  33174

  USDOT/OST-R

  Washington DC,   United States 
• Project Managers:

  Moustafa, M

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Nevada, Reno

  1664 N. Virginia Street
  Reno, Nevada  United States  89557
• Principal Investigators:

  Moustafa, M

• Start Date: 20200101
• Expected Completion Date: 20230804
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: Advanced Research
• USDOT Program: Research and Development
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge construction; Earthquake resistant design; Methyl methacrylate; Polymers; Structural connection; Ultra high performance concrete; Validation
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01733221
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747121
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Mar 10 2020 3:07PM