Abstract
This paper investigates the shrinkage and thermal effects of an ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) mixture proposed for use as an overlay material for concrete bridge decks. In this study, early-age and longer-term shrinkage tests were performed on the locally produced UHPC. Thermal and shrinkage effects in normal strength concrete slabs overlaid with UHPC were also observed. Early-age shrinkage testing showed that approximately 55% of the strain occurred in the plastic state and may not contribute to bond stresses since the elastic modulus of the UHPC should be small at such early ages. Thickness of the substrate and amount of reinforcing steel were important factors for shrinkage in the slabs. The thickest slab experienced greater shrinkage than thinner slabs. Comparing this slab to a thinner slab with the same reinforcement indicated that reinforcement ratio is more important than the area of steel.
Highlights
A major issue facing the world’s infrastructure is rapidly degrading concrete bridge decks
The work presented in this paper investigated the potential for using a locally produced Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) as an overlay material to rehabilitate concrete bridge decks
Since ACI 546 [11] recommends using an overlay material that can shrink without losing bond [11], it is important to quantify the shrinkage effects of UHPC on normal strength concrete (NSC) substrates
Summary
A major issue facing the world’s infrastructure is rapidly degrading concrete bridge decks. Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has exceptional mechanical and durability properties [1,2,3,4] that provide the potential to greatly improve the service lives of existing bridge decks. The work presented in this paper investigated the potential for using a locally produced UHPC as an overlay material to rehabilitate concrete bridge decks. UHPC is a modern concrete exhibiting exceptional mechanical and durability properties. These properties include compressive strength greater than 120 MPa (17,000 psi) [6], high ductility when fiber reinforced, and excellent resistance to frost damage, alkali-silicareaction, and abrasion [2, 7, 8]. UHPC’s unique properties provide the potential to significantly improve service lives and durability of existing concrete bridge decks. Since ACI 546 [11] recommends using an overlay material that can shrink without losing bond [11], it is important to quantify the shrinkage effects of UHPC on normal strength concrete (NSC) substrates
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