Fiber-Reinforced Concrete in Bridge Decks TR-767
The main objective of this research project is to design and evaluate the use of fibers in HPC mixes to prevent or reduce early-age cracking in bridge decks. This will be achieved through a systematic investigation supported by laboratory and field tests to ensure that the developed concrete mixes will meet both short- and long-term properties of interest. This project will begin with a comprehensive literature search and survey, which will supplement the knowledge and experience of the research team in working with fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). A set of HPC mixes, including standard HPC, HPC with fibers, and HPC with fibers and admixtures will then be developed using fibers of different type, geometry, and dosage. A rigorous test plan will be pursued to evaluate and ensure the resistance of the designed mixes to early-age cracking, transportation of aggressive ions, freeze/thaw cycles, and abrasion, while maintaining proper workability, strength and toughness characteristics for bridge deck applications. Three of the best-performed mixes will be selected for a complementary field investigation that not only tests the mixes in real exposure conditions, but also provides information about the practical aspects and considerations. A set of samples will be collected from each concrete deck placement. The samples will be further tested in the laboratory to ensure that the implemented concrete mixes meet all the performance requirements, in terms of fresh properties, dimensional stability, strength, and other transport and durability characteristics. Using a combination of visual inspection and nondestructive evaluation methods, the condition state of the bridge decks will be monitored beginning from immediately after construction for (at least) one year. This assessment will determine the effectiveness of adding fibers to mitigate crack formation and propagation in bridge decks. A comprehensive service life analysis will also be performed to understand the costs and benefits. This will be an important step forward to address the long-standing issue of early-age cracking in bridge decks, which directly contributes to improving the quality and longevity of bridge decks in service, thus, minimizing the need to repair and maintenance activities.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $120000
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Contract Numbers:
TR-767
Add 679
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Sponsor Organizations:
Iowa Department of Transportation
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA United States 50010 -
Managing Organizations:
Center for Transportation Research and Education
2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700
Ames, IA United States 50010-8664 -
Project Managers:
Goetz, Vanessa
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Principal Investigators:
Shafei, Behrouz
- Start Date: 20190101
- Expected Completion Date: 20210228
- Actual Completion Date: 0
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Bridge decks; Cracking; Fiber reinforced concrete; Field tests; High performance concrete; Laboratory tests; Mix design; Service life
- Geographic Terms: Iowa
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01690779
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Iowa Department of Transportation
- Contract Numbers: TR-767, Add 679
- Files: RIP, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Jan 14 2019 10:52AM