In the field of civil infrastructure, bridge desks are typically constructed using high performance concrete (HPC). Concrete bridge decks demand qualities such as low permeability, high abrasion resistance, superior durability, and long design life. Over decades of field and laboratory experience, many HPC bridge decks have been found to be...
The research presented in this thesis assessed the use of high strength steel (HSS) reinforcement for use in reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns. HSS is not currently allowed in reinforced concrete bridge columns due to a lack of information on the material characteristics and performance information when used in RC...
Most specifications for ready-mix concrete (RMC) limit mixing time to 90 minutes and/or truck drum revolution counts (DRC) to 300 before discharge. These specifications have been in place for many years with the objective of ensuring the quality and performance of the finished concrete product. However, limited research has been...
Large numbers of reinforced concrete deck girder (RCDG) bridges were built during the highway infrastructure boom of the 1950's. The advent of standardized deformed steel reinforcing bars during this time allowed for straight bar terminations in flexural tension regions. Designers of the time terminated reinforcing bars where they were no...
Cast-in-drilled-hole (CIDH) piles are often constructed to depths that are inaccessible to internal vibration of the concrete. Internal vibration is necessary to consolidate the concrete and, if not performed, then typically inspection pipes are necessary to detect the presence of voids in CIDH piles. Void detection is critical to assessing...
Alkali silica reaction (ASR) and corrosion of reinforcement are two deterioration mechanisms in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. These deterioration mechanisms can significantly damage a RC structure and reduce its service life. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are commonly used to improve the durability of RC systems containing reactive aggregate that are...
Previous research has shown that using fine lightweight aggregate (FLWA) can be a promising strategy to mitigate alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in mortar and concrete. While several possible theories were proposed by researchers, discrepancies in testing methods, materials, and supporting evidence still exist. Therefore, this study was initiated. There are two...
Aging and deficient infrastructure has become a major problem throughout the world. This is particularly evident in the case of reinforced concrete (RC) bridges. The cost of replacing these bridges is often prohibitive, thus engineers must find ways to strengthen them. Many older RC bridges predate the modern understanding of...
The Cascadia Subduction Zone has recently been identified as a source for an impending great earthquake. The potential of a large earthquake has created widespread interest into the resiliency of lifelines within the potentially affected areas. One critical lifeline is the electrical distribution and transmission systems which relies on legacy...
Structurally efficient and cost-effective solutions are needed to extend the service-life of deficient and aging highway infrastructure around the world. One critical need is to increase the flexural strength of older reinforced concrete (RC) structures to carry heavier and more frequent loads. Titanium alloy bars (TiAB) offer a new opportunity...
Use of high-strength steel (HSS) reinforcing bars could provide constructability and economic benefits for the construction of structures, reducing the initial and ultimately the life-cycle cost of bridge and building structural elements. This thesis summarizes work performed in a research project on the use of HSS reinforcing bars for concrete...
Internal curing is a term used to describe a process in which curing water is provided to a concrete mixture from inside the mixture. Internal curing water has typically been provided in North America mixtures by using prewetted porous materials, like fine lightweight aggregate (FLWA). Alternative materials, such as superabsorbent...
Chloride-induced corrosion is one of the primary causes of the degradation of reinforced steel in concrete structures. Currently, the rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) is the most specified method to determine the concrete’s resistivity to chloride ingress, thus a determining factor in assessing the durability of concrete. While it is...
The constituent materials of concrete often contain chlorides. The presence of chlorides in sufficient amounts can disrupt the passive layer, also known as the passive film, that protects the reinforcing steel in concrete. This disruption can lead to premature corrosion of the reinforcing steel in concrete. To minimize the risk...
High early strength (HES) concrete is becoming increasingly used to repair damaged concrete pavement sections. The use of HES concrete enables the repaired pavement to be opened to traffic within hours of placing the concrete. A common approach used for the rapid repair of concrete pavement consists of closing a...