National Concrete Pavement Technology Center

Project description

The research objective was to investigate the causes and sources of distress observed in single-slope slip-formed roadway concrete barriers with the goal of developing strategies to ensure the long-term performance of these barriers in Wisconsin. To that end, barriers built between 2012 and 2015 and located in three different regions of WI were studied. The research approach included a state-wide survey, field inspection of the barriers, as well as laboratory tests of concrete cores and powder samples. Data analysis was performed to distinguish between observed types and the extent of distress. Based on the findings, several recommendations are presented which include improving construction practices, inspection, and quality control during construction, following concrete specification, improving data collection during barrier construction, limiting the size of aggregates, modifications to the amount of horizontal reinforcement, and heat of hydration of cement.