High Performance Concrete in a Bridge in Richlands, Virginia

About the report:

The Virginia Department of Transportation built a high-performance concrete (HPC) bridge in Richlands. The beams had a minimum compressive strength of 69 MPa (10,000 psi) at 28 days and large strands, 15 mm (0.6 in) in diameter, placed 51 mm (2 in) apart. The deck concrete was designed to have a minimum compressive strength of 41 MPa (6,000 psi) and low permeability. This report describes the development of the HPC mixes, the material and structural testing, the construction of the bridge, and the condition assessment of the bridge after two winters. Structural testing was conducted on two full-scale 9.5-m (31-ft) AASHTO Type II beams with the large-diameter strands and composite slabs. Pullout tests were conducted on the same strands as used in the beams. Tests were also conducted to determine if there were any residual phosphates on the strands since the presence of phosphates has been suspected to affect the bond between the strand and the hardened concrete. The test program, field application, and in-service performance of the bridge indicated that HPC with high strength and low permeability can be produced using locally available material. The use of the large-diameter strands at a 51-mm (2 in) spacing also proved successful.

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