Cracking and Reinforcement Corrosion in Short-Span Precast Concrete Bridges
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 21, Issue 5
Abstract
A nationwide survey revealed 14 states having bridges comprised of precast, nonprestressed, concrete channel beams. Currently, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) bridge inventory includes approximately 389 in-service bridges using precast channel beams that were constructed using 1952 AHTD bridge details. Results from a statewide inspection of these bridges conducted by the writers revealed bridges with extensive concrete longitudinal cracking at the flexural reinforcing steel level and exposed reinforcing steel. Approximately 2,000 beams in 95 precast concrete channel beam bridges were inspected during a statewide investigation; longitudinal cracking at the reinforcing steel level was observed in 60.4% of the beams and exposed flexural reinforcement in 21.2%. A combination of flexure cracking from the live-load overloads and the presence of moisture has led to this high level of beam deterioration. The source of this moisture is humidity and water seepage at joints between adjacent beams. This paper examines the causes of longitudinal cracking deterioration by examining the influences of water permeation and humidity on the corrosion of flexural reinforcement in precast concrete channel beams.
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Acknowledgments
The research presented herein was conducted with financial support by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. The contents of this paper reflect the views and opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. The writers would like to thank the following individuals for their assistance with this research: Mr. James Key of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department; and Mr. Mark Kuss, Mrs. Jessie Jones, and Mr. Jarrod Burns of the University of Arkansas.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 21 • Issue 5 • October 2007
Pages: 390 - 397
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 30, 2006
Accepted: Oct 23, 2006
Published online: Oct 1, 2007
Published in print: Oct 2007
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