Title: Durability Design of HPC Bridge Decks with Lightweight Aggregate and Admixtures

Author(s): Daniel Cusson and Jim Margeson

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 290

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-22

Keywords: Bridge decks, durability, high-performance concrete, internal curing, life-cycle cost analysis, lightweight aggregate, service life prediction, shrinkage-reducing admixture.

DOI: 10.14359/51684182

Date: 9/14/2012

Abstract:
Highway bridges and parking structures, subject to coupled effects of mechanical loads and corrosion, often show early signs of distress such as concrete cracking and rebar corrosion leading to reduced structural performance and shortened service life. One solution to this problem is to use low-shrinkage low-permeability high-performance concrete (HPC) for bridge decks exposed to de-icing salts and severe loading conditions. A new HPC was formulated to achieve low shrinkage and low permeability, high early-strength, and 28-day compressive strength over 60 MPa (8,700 psi). Its mechanical performance and durability were tested both in the lab and field under severe test conditions, including restrained shrinkage, cycling loading, freezing and thawing cycles, and application of de-icing salts. Models were developed and calibrated to predict structural performance and service life of concrete bridge decks under severe exposure conditions. Prediction models indicate that bridge decks designed with low-shrinkage HPC can achieve a service life up to 100 years. Compared to normal concrete decks, short-t t-to-medium span bridge decks using low-shrinkage HPC could be built at a comparable initial construction cost, but at less than 35% of the life-cycle cost.