Determining Mechanical Behavior of High Early Strength Concrete for Field-Cast Connection of Bridge Precast Elements
Faculty Mentor Information
Arya Ebrahimpour Mustafa Mashal
Abstract
Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is searching for an alternative connection detail to be used in Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) precast deck elements in order to reduce costs and construction time versus currently used Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) connections. Cost savings are substantial and range from $50K to $100K per bridge. Six different proposed high early strength concrete mixes with different amounts of admixtures were proposed and tested for shrinkage and compressive and tensile strength. The optimum mix will be chosen and the modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio will be determined. In addition, headed bar bond strength and interface bond tensile strength will be determined and three and four-point bending tests will be performed with the chosen mix design. To date, the mix with the best results has been tentatively selected and will move forward into the phase of testing that best simulates the real-life connection between precast components.
Determining Mechanical Behavior of High Early Strength Concrete for Field-Cast Connection of Bridge Precast Elements
Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is searching for an alternative connection detail to be used in Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) precast deck elements in order to reduce costs and construction time versus currently used Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) connections. Cost savings are substantial and range from $50K to $100K per bridge. Six different proposed high early strength concrete mixes with different amounts of admixtures were proposed and tested for shrinkage and compressive and tensile strength. The optimum mix will be chosen and the modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio will be determined. In addition, headed bar bond strength and interface bond tensile strength will be determined and three and four-point bending tests will be performed with the chosen mix design. To date, the mix with the best results has been tentatively selected and will move forward into the phase of testing that best simulates the real-life connection between precast components.