Title:
Implementation of Fiber Reinforced High-Performance Concrete (FR-HPC) for Bridge Decks in New Jersey
Author(s):
Hani Nassif
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/23/2022
Abstract:
High-Performance Concrete (HPC) is categorized as concrete with optimal strength, shrinkage, and durability properties. However, HPC in bridge decks is still prone to transverse cracking especially with vibrations due to traffic in adjacent lanes or construction loads. To mitigate concrete cracking, the addition of macro fibers is investigated with HPC mixes. The effects of adding various types of fibers coupled with aggregate blending on HPC were experimentally investigated in the laboratory in terms of strength and shrinkage properties as well as cracking potential which is evaluated using the ring test in accordance with the AASHTO-T334. Results show that the addition of steel hooked or polypropylene fibers reduced the cracking area (i.e., crack width multiplied by crack length) at 56 days by 26.3% and 23.2%, respectively. Based on the laboratory results, the team implemented FR-HPC and typical HPC, alternatively, in reconstructed bridge decks in New Jersey. Three crack map surveys were performed prior to opening the bridge to traffic over a period of 290 days. Results show that FR-HPC reduced the mean crack width by 28.6%, and the cracking area by 33.3%. This study illustrated that FR-HPC is effective in improving the cracking performance of reconstructed bridge decks casted while traffic in the adjacent lane is uninterrupted.