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https://www.nationalacademies.org/trb/events

In Situ Performance Monitoring of Bridge Joints Constructed with Rapid-Setting Concrete

The effectiveness of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) relies on the performance and durability of field-placed connections, particularly those utilizing Rapid-Setting Concrete (RSC). While ABC significantly reduces construction time and minimizes traffic disruptions, its success is contingent upon ensuring that these connections exhibit long-term structural integrity and durability under real-world conditions. A primary concern with RSC joints is their susceptibility to environmental and mechanical stressors, including freeze-thaw cycles, chloride ingress from deicing salts, shrinkage-induced cracking, and repeated loading from traffic. These factors can compromise load transfer efficiency, stiffness, and overall durability, leading to higher maintenance demands and potential early-life failures. One of the key questions facing transportation agencies is whether performance-based specifications for RSC joints are adequately calibrated to address real-world service conditions. While these specifications help ensure quality, they also increase material costs and require extensive laboratory testing and quality control oversight. Given that ABC aims to accelerate construction without compromising long-term resilience, a critical knowledge gap remains regarding how well RSC joints perform under in-service conditions as compared to their expected design performance.