Shape Memory Alloy Transverse Reinforcement for Precast Bridge Girders End Regions

Despite the success of using concrete prestressing technology in the longitudinal direction, it has not been implemented in the transverse direction due to many practical challenges. The reason is that no practical method exists for prestressing internal shear reinforcement such as hoops, stirrups, or spirals because these reinforcements are fully embedded in the concrete; hence, gripping the reinforcement ends for prestressing is not feasible. This research will investigate a new technology for applying prestressing in the transverse direction using a class of smart metallic materials known as shape memory alloys (SMAs). Excessively deformed bars and wires made of SMAs can remember their original shape when subjected to a temperature of approximately 200⁰C. This project will use this novel material to solve the longstanding problem of splitting and bursting cracking at the end regions of precast concrete (PC) bridge girders. Applying prestressing in the transverse direction (i.e., vertically) within that local region will help mitigate concrete cracking during prestressing and reduce steel congestion in this region. The research plan for this project includes performing numerical investigation and experimental testing of the new technology.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Sponsor Organizations:

  University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory
  Urbana, IL  United States  61801-2352

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

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

  University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory
  Urbana, IL  United States  61801-2352
• Principal Investigators:

  Andrawes, Bassem

• Start Date: 20230901
• Expected Completion Date: 20240831
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alloys; Concrete bridges; Cracking; Girders; Prestressing; Transverse reinforcement
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01893419
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Infrastructure Precast Innovation Center
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Sep 18 2023 7:20PM