Abstract
Abstract In Brazil, there is a lack of infrastructure investment in roads, given that they facilitate the transportation of more than half the country’s cargo volume. One of the main variables in road infrastructure is overpass construction and maintenance. Concrete overpasses with post-tensioned I-section beams have been extensively used in Brazil. This study discusses the economic aspects of the use of high-strength concrete (HSC) associated with the geometrical optimization of decks of post-tensioned multi-girder overpasses. Twelve overpass decks were dimensioned and divided into two groups. In Group A the characteristic concrete strength varied, but not the geometrical characteristics of the deck. In Group B, the characteristic strength and the geometrical characteristics of the deck varied. These were the configurations that presented the best results for each group of characteristic concrete strength. It was determined that the use of HSC significantly decreases the reinforcement ratio-especially shear reinforcement. In addition, although the HSC has a higher cost per m3, it is still considered a viable option owing to the reduction in the reinforcement ratio. Lastly, in addition to providing the benefits that are widely commented on in literature, using HSC can also provide more economical overpass structures compared to conventional concrete.
Highlights
According to Eller [9], in Brazil more than half of the total cargo volume is transported by road
The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic aspects of the use of high-strength concrete (HSC) associated with the geometrical optimization of decks from post-stressed multi-girder overpasses
The main benefit of the use of HSC is the reduction of reinforcement, where the shear reinforcement is the one associated with the best savings
Summary
According to Eller [9], in Brazil more than half of the total cargo volume is transported by road. Overpasses and bridges, commonly named “special construction works,” are one of the most important structures with regard to road infrastructure, given that they are costly and demand detailed planning. In addition to the improvement of mechanical properties, according to Mehta [13], one of the main characteristics of HSC is its durability as compared to conventional concrete – it is stronger when subjected to the action of aggressive agents. This improvement is caused by the low water–cement ratio that leads to a decrease in porosity and the permeability, increasing the service life of the structure and reducing maintenance costs. Until the 1990s, an improvement was made by including superplasticizer additives, followed by the use of silica
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.
