Case Studies Using Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete for Prestressed Girder Bridge Design
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 18, Issue 4
Abstract
Ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) develops very high compressive strengths and exhibits improved tensile strength and durability properties that make UHPC a promising material for bridge applications. Through case studies on typical prestressed concrete girder bridges (simple and continuous), the potential impact of implementing UHPC in New Mexico was investigated. Two existing bridges with high-performance concrete girders were redesigned using UHPC with a compressive strength of 155.1 MPa (22,500 psi) and a modulus of rupture of 8.0 MPa (1,160 psi). The redesign used a modified load factor design procedure for the Service III flexure limit state and a modified load and resistance factor design procedure for the ultimate shear limit state that considered the compressive strength, modulus of rupture, and modulus of elasticity of UHPC. Additionally, 15- and 18-mm-diameter (0.6- and 0.7-in.) prestressing strands were investigated. The use of UHPC and 18-mm-diameter (0.7-in.) prestressing strands reduced the required volume of girder concrete by up to 40%. Additionally, the contribution of the steel fibers in the UHPC significantly reduced the required shear reinforcement.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded by the NMDOT Research Bureau. The authors thank NMDOT personnel, including Bryce Simons, Ray Trujillo, Ted Barber, Ben Najera, Jim Camp, Keli Daniell, and Virgil Valdez. The research team also appreciates the assistance provided by several individuals, including Dr. Benjamin Graybeal, FHWA; Dr. Franz Josef Ulm, MIT; Dean Bierwagen, Iowa DOT; Brian Moore, Wapello County; Brian Keierleber and Ned Johnson, Buchannan County; Dr. Sri Sritharan, Iowa State University; Brian Silvis, Virgina DOT; and Shannon Applegate and Steven Ruiz of Coreslab, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 18 • Issue 4 • November 2013
Pages: 261 - 267
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 12, 2012
Accepted: Mar 7, 2013
Published online: Mar 9, 2013
Published in print: Nov 1, 2013
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