Title:
High-Performance Concrete on Bridges: The Florida Experience
Author(s):
Douglas L. Edwards
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
22
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
63-65
Keywords:
bridges; corrosion resistance; durability; high-performance concretes; marine structures; mix proportioning
DOI:
Date:
2/1/2000
Abstract:
Reconstruction of the Skyway Bridge project, Tampa Bay, Fla., beginning in 1982 initiated use in the State of Florida of what is now defined by the FHWA as high-performance concrete (HPC). The Florida Department of Transportation’s development of site exposure classifications in 1981 and their connection of these to specific concrete mixture requirements in 1984 paralleled but preceded development of the HPC definition provided by the FHWA in October 1995. To date, the FDOT has focused their concrete research and development activities on the durability aspects of HPC since this has far greater potential economic impact on their program than increased concrete design strength. At this time, the FDOT continues to utilize their own corrosion classifications and concrete class designations. Since long-term cost effectiveness achieved by specifying the most appropriate concrete for its site specific use and durability requirements is everyone’s actual goal, differing terminologies and details are not considered important. As greater knowledge is gained in the fields of concrete materials and admixtures, corrosion monitoring, and alternative reinforcement corrosion protection methods, it is anticipated that HPC criteria continue to evolve