Parametric Study of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete for Bridge Link Slab Applications

摘要

A major limitation of the durability of bridge decks is the area around an expansion joint which allows drainage of de-icing salts to the underlying substructure. Fiber-reinforced concrete link slabs are proposed as a more durable alternative to traditional expansion joints. This study was developed to evaluate the possibility of using more common fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) mixtures rather than the highly designed ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete (HPFRC) with fibers that has often been recommended for link slabs. In this study, the matrix proportioning and the type and volume of polymeric and steel fibers have been investigated to determine their effects on compressive, tensile and flexural strength, fracture behavior and residual strength. A standard mixture design was first optimized for workability with one steel fiber type and one polymeric fiber type. With the optimal mixture design, a selection of six fiber types were then tested for the selected mechanical properties. Although the FRCs tested did not reach the performance of the HPFRC, significant increases in performance were observed with the common fibers that could be useful in the design of a FRC link slab with the most promising results obtained with hooked-end steel macro-fibers.