Prevention of Cracks in Concrete Bridge Decks: Report on Observations of BridgeDeck Construction and Concrete Shrinkage Measurements in the Field

摘要

Transverse cracking in newly constructed concrete bridge decks is a concern inPennsylvania. This project observed deck construction operations and identified construction factors with potential to increase concrete thermal and/or drying shrinkage and cause cracking. During the observations, concrete curing temperature was measured to determine thermal shrinkage. Also, concrete was sampled and tested to determine drying shrinkage. The shrinkage information lead to prediction of cracking in each construction site. Follow-up visits to constructed bridge decks verified the prediction. Consequently, recommendations were made on maximum allowable thermal and drying shrinkage to minimize cracking.