Title: Effects of Surface Preparation and Curing on Joint Performance: A Preliminary Study

Author(s): Shreyas Panduranga Setty and David Trejo

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 115

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 349-357

Keywords: apparent chloride diffusion; chloride ingress; construction joint; durability; shear strength; slant shear test

DOI: 10.14359/51701931

Date: 5/1/2018

Abstract:
A construction joint is defined by ACI as interface between concrete placements intentionally created to facilitate construction and these can be present in most structure types. Some State Highway Agencies (SHAs) require these joints be cured and prepared. In some cases, this preparation and curing of joints results in significant costs. Limited research has been performed to assess the influence of preparation and curing on the performance of construction joints. This investigation evaluated the influence of surface preparation and curing conditions on the shear strength and the rate of chloride transport into construction joints prepared with three surface characteristics and three curing conditions. The results from this research indicate that surface preparation had no statistically significant influence on shear strength but did have a statistically significant influence on the rate of chloride transport into the joint. Results also indicate that the curing regime can significantly influence joint shear strength and chloride transport rates into the joint.