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Reducing Shrinkage Cracking in Bridge Decks Using the Single- and Double-Ring Test Methods

Project Details
STATE

WY

SOURCE

TRID

START DATE

03/17/21

RESEARCHERS

Whitney Wise

SPONSORS

University Transportation Center Program

KEYWORDS

Bridge decks, Concrete bridges, Cost effectiveness, Mix design, Overlays (Pavements), Shrinkage, Test procedures

LINKS

Project webpage

Project description

The objectives of this project are as follows: (1) Evaluate the effects of single methods to mitigate shrinkage; (2) Quantify the beneficial effects of multiple methods to mitigate shrinkage; (3) Propose solutions for WYDOT using standard mix designs for two types of aggregates; (4) Provide guidance on the use of internal curing for concrete mix designs. As an example of maintenance costs, a single 6,000 ft² bridge deck can reach up to $250,000.00. This considers two rigid overlays and one epoxy overlay with a 10 percent class II-A and 5 percent class II-B repairs. These costs do not include the traffic control and safety mobilization that can add another $100,000.00 to this single hypothetical bridge deck. If overlays can be deferred or eliminated by reducing or eliminating early age shrinkage cracking, this could result in a significant savings for WYDOT.
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