Infrastructure Insider Series - May 2021 - Internal Curing of Bridge Deck Concrete & Ultra-High Performance Concrete Bridge Overlays
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Each session offers a professional development hour credit. You can REGISTER HERE for free.
SESSION 1: Implementation of Internal Curing of Bridge Deck Concrete in Indiana
12 p.m. Eastern | 11 a.m. Central
The increased propensity for shrinkage cracking in low w/c concrete has resulted in the development of new methods that can reduce the risk of early-age cracking. One of these methods is internal curing. Internal curing uses water-filled lightweight aggregate to supply ‘curing water’ to low w/c paste as it hydrates. Significant research has been performed to determine the effects of internal curing on shrinkage and stress development. The results indicate that the inclusion of Light Weight Fine Aggregate (LWFA) can increase the degree of hydration of the cement paste and reduce both the total porosity and the interconnection of the pore structure of mortar specimens. This webinar describes how these results can be used to proportion mixtures for higher performance concretes that had been used in the last 10 years in Indiana by the concrete suppliers. Numerous bridges and patches have already implemented this internal curing technique nationwide and after ten year review, the results are very encouraging.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the basic principle of internal curing, physical and chemical properties of the internal curing concrete, internal curing mechanism, typical concrete mixtures, field implementation of internal curing concrete, and finally, the long-term results and benefits of the internal curing concrete
- Gain comprehensive knowledge of the internal curing concrete
- Learn strategy for implementing internal curing concrete for bridge decks that will extend the life of the bridge deck and bridge superstructure
Speakers:
Jason Weiss, Edwards Distinguished Chair in Engineering, Oregon State University
Tommy E. Nantung, Research Manager for the Indiana Department of Transportation Division of Research and Development
SESSION 2: Successful Installations of Ultra-High Performance Concrete Bridge Overlays
3 p.m. Eastern | 2 p.m. Central
Bridge owners seeking cost-effective and long-lasting preservation strategies may want to learn how Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) overlays can extend the service life of their existing infrastructure while minimizing traffic interruption during construction. For the past decade, UHPC has been utilized in US Accelerated Bridge Construction but mainly to connect precast bridge elements with field cast UHPC connections. Only recently, UHPC has been placed as a thin bonded overlay on aging US bridge structures to repair, preserve and improve their condition. UHPC overlays are an excellent preservation method for existing bridge decks to enhance their long-term durability performance in a cost-effective way. When installed with a Thin Lift UHPC Paving Equipment and an experienced workforce, this technology helps bridge owners to accelerate bridge repairs by shortening the total construction time and by minimizing traffic interruptions. Preserving bridges with UHPC overlays is still a very new industry concept in the US but is starting to gain a wider adoption. UHPC Solutions North America is an experienced Speciality Contractor that has installed over 11 bridge overlays across multiple states including the Delaware Memorial Bridge and Commodore Barry Bridge. The application of a self-propelled Thin Lift UHPC Paving machine capable of paving crowns and steep slopes with lanes widths up to 30’ will be presented.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of the UHPC technology, material properties, surface preparation and overlay design details
- Review UHPC construction methods from a contractor’s perspective and lessons learned from several successfully installed UHPC overlay projects
- Discuss the durability and improved life-cycle cost of UHPC overlays compared to traditional overlay materials
Speakers:
Peter J Seibert, Technical UHPC Expert, UHPC Solutions North America
Gil S. Brindley, Director, UHPC Solutions North America