01629556

Monograph

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/175649.aspx

Cracking of concrete in bridges continues to be a concern for bridge owners, particularly with bridge decks exposed to severe environments. The control of cracking for aesthetic, durability, and structural reasons becomes increasingly important as service-life goals are extended and higher-strength concrete, higher-strength reinforcement, and different types of reinforcement are used in bridge construction. This study provides information on methods used to control concrete cracking in bridge superstructures and substructures, and on the influence of cracking on long-term durability. The study found that no single best practice can be used to enhance concrete bridge deck performance. Useful practices include reducing drying shrinkage of the concrete mix; reducing temperature differences; nighttime concrete placements; and the use of supplementary cementitious materials, internal curing, shrinkage-reducing admixtures, or shrinkage compensating concrete. Wet curing of concrete decks beginning immediately after concrete finishing and continuing for at least 7 days, followed by the application of a curing compound, was identified as an appropriate construction practice for concrete bridge decks. For prestressed concrete beams, end zone cracking can often be prevented by revising the detensioning sequence. Cracking in concrete substructures was of less concern than in superstructure components.

Project 20-05, Topic 47-01

English

114p

2017

9780309389815

Digital/other

Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables

Bridge substructures; Bridge superstructures; Concrete bridges; Cracking

Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; Materials

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Mar 20 2017 11:44AM