National Concrete Pavement Technology Center

Project description

Deterioration of bridge decks is a major issue for bridge owners. The need for cost-effective and durable rehabilitation methods has been documented by many researchers. The primary causes of deck deterioration include vehicle traffic, environmental effects (i.e. freeze-thaw, salt spray), and maintenance practices (snow plows, de-icing chemical treatments). Deterioration is featured by delamination, cracking, corrosion of reinforcing steel, abrasion, scaling, and other mechanisms. Ultra-High strength concrete (UHPC) overlays are gaining in popularity as a rehabilitation material due to the high compressive strength, higher tensile capacity compared to normal strength concrete, low permeability, and low shrinkage.