Field Performance of High-Early-Strength Concrete with Polypropylene Fibers as a Cost-Effective Alternative for Longitudinal Connection between Bridge Deck Bulb-T Girders
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 37, Issue 3
Abstract
High-early-strength (HES) concrete with polypropylene fibers has been used in several parts of bridges with precast concrete girders by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). This material is only slightly more expensive than conventional concrete, but speeds up the construction. ITD is interested in the suitability of HES concrete in the longitudinal closure pour connections between bridge deck bulb-T girders. In the laboratory phase of this project, an optimum HES concrete mix was identified through a series of laboratory experiments. The field performance of the HES concrete mix was examined by placing the material in the closure pour joints between deck bulb-T girders in a bridge in Idaho. The main focus of this paper is to report on the 20-month field performance of the bridge closure pour concrete. Tasks included six visits to the bridge site every 4 months to (1) measure strain data under ITD’s Under the Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT), (2) measure strain data under commercial truck traffic, and (3) inspect the closure pour concrete. Based on the results, it was concluded that there were no changes in the closure pour concrete in the last 20 months.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the members of the ITD Technical Advisory Committee Matt Farrar, P.E., Dan Gorley, P.E., Leonard Ruminski, P.E., Ned Parish, and Ed Miltner for their support and valuable input. The contents of this article, funded by the ITD and the Federal Highway Administration, reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Idaho Transportation Department or the Federal Highway Administration. This article does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. In addition, the authors would like to thank Christopher Clauson for his assistance during the initial phase of the field work. The authors are thankful of Jared Cantrell and Mike Adams for their assistance with the UBIT tests.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 37 • Issue 3 • June 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 28, 2022
Accepted: Jan 4, 2023
Published online: Mar 15, 2023
Published in print: Jun 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Aug 15, 2023
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