DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH EARLY-STRENGTH CONCRETE FOR ACCELERATED BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION CLOSURE POUR CONNECTIONS (KEY IJP************558)

• Rahul,Pardeep

Abstract

Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) has become a popular alternative to using traditional construction techniques to build new bridges and replace existing bridge decks due to the reduction in time spent on field activities. A key feature of bridges built using ABC techniques is the extensive use of prefabricated components. Precast components are joined on site using small volume closure castings using high quality materials (steel and concrete) to ensure adequate transfer of forces between components. Until now, materials developed for capping were based on proprietary ingredients, so there was a need to develop compounds that used generic ingredients. The objective of this research was to develop a method for developing concrete mixes that are designed using generic ingredients and that meet the performance requirements of accelerated backfills for bridge structures in New England, particularly high initial strength and long-term durability. Two concrete mixes were developed with the primary objective of achieving high initial strength while maintaining workability. A secondary objective of the concrete mixes was durability; therefore, in the development of the concrete mix, measures were taken to create a mix that also has durable properties.