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Title: Use of Alternative Materials to Reduce Shrinkage Cracking in Bridge Decks

Author(s): Michael D. Brown, Cuyler A. Smith, J. Greg Sellers, Kevin J. Folliard, and John E. Breen

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 104

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 629-637

Keywords: bridge deck; extensibility; shrinkage cracking

DOI: 10.14359/18967

Date: 11/1/2007

Abstract:
According to a survey conducted in 1996, respondents in several state departments of transportation indicated that more than 100,000 bridge decks in the U.S. have suffered from early age transverse cracking, a crack pattern that typically arises due to drying shrinkage. Concrete material properties are treated as a means through which to improve the resistance restrained drying shrinkage cracking. Various test methods are discussed as they relate to determining the resistance of a material to shrinkage cracking. Materials-based methods of controlling drying shrinkage are presented. The materials discussed include fibers, shrinkage-compensating concrete, shrinkage-reducing admixtures, and extensible concrete. It was determined in small laboratory specimens, and confirmed in large-scale bridge deck specimens, that several of the alternative mixtures adequately reduced restrained drying-shrinkage cracking.