Abstract
Cracking of newly placed binary Portland cement-slag concrete adjacent to bridge deck expansion dam replacements has been observed on several newly rehabilitated sections of bridge decks. This paper investigates the causes of cracking by assessing the concrete mixtures specified for bridge deck rehabilitation projects, as well as reviewing the structural design of decks and the construction and curing methods implemented by the contractors. The work consists of (1) a comprehensive literature review of the causes of cracking on bridge decks, (2) a review of previous bridge deck rehabilitation projects that experienced early-age cracking along with construction observations of active deck rehabilitation projects, and (3) an experimental evaluation of the two most commonly used bridge deck concrete mixtures. Based on the literature review, the causes of concrete bridge deck cracking can be classified into three categories: concrete material properties, construction practices, and structural design factors. The most likely causes of the observed early-age cracking were found to be inadequate curing and failure to properly eliminate the risk of plastic shrinkage cracking. These results underscore the significance of proper moist curing methods for concrete bridge decks, including repair sections. This document also provides a blueprint for future researchers to investigate early-age cracking of concrete structures.
Highlights
Longitudinal early age cracking of concrete repair sections adjacent to bridge deck expansion dam replacements (Figure 1) has been observed on several newly rehabilitated bridge decks
Many studies have been performed since the 1980s to identify the causes and effective mitigation practices for early age cracking on concrete bridge decks, very few studies have focused on cracking in repair sections, especially next to rehabilitated deck expansion dams
This paper evaluates the causes of the observed longitudinal cracking by assessing the effect of concrete material properties, construction and curing practices, and structural design of repair sections
Summary
Longitudinal early age cracking of concrete repair sections adjacent to bridge deck expansion dam replacements (Figure 1) has been observed on several newly rehabilitated bridge decks. Many studies have been performed since the 1980s to identify the causes and effective mitigation practices for early age cracking on concrete bridge decks, very few studies have focused on cracking in repair sections, especially next to rehabilitated deck expansion dams. This paper evaluates the causes of the observed longitudinal cracking by assessing the effect of concrete material properties, construction and curing practices, and structural design of repair sections.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
