Ultra High Performance Concrete Bridge Applications In Ohio

This research reviewed the current and future uses of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for bridge applications in the state of Ohio. Since most designers, owners and contractors are unfamiliar with the material and only a small percentage of all bridges utilize it, UHPC is still considered a relatively new material. Monitoring and understanding its performance in current applications will undoubtedly provide useful insights for future applications. Advantages of UHPC discussed include rapid strength gain that can be utilized in Accelerate Bridge Construction, fiber content which provides post cracking strength, high bond strength which shortens development lengths of reinforcement, and the flowable material which allows UHPC to better penetrate tighter spaces. Disadvantages of UHPC such as material cost, increased labor and time are also discussed. In addition, recommendations for future UHPC applications are provided that would benefit designers, owners and contractors through valuable insight that was gained during these research objectives. The first objective was to review the performance of UHPC in the Sollars Road adjacent prestressed concrete box beam bridge in Fayette County. The design of the UHPC longitudinal joint (shear keys) included dowel bars but eliminated intermediate diaphragms, transverse post-tensioning, and a composite deck. Comparing truck loading data from 2014 shortly after bridge construction was completed and 2017 during this study, the load distribution has improved to some extent and the bridge is responding to loading in a similar manner which implies minimal to no cracking of the UHPC shear keys. This simplified design may be a realistic alternative to solve the typical issue of cracking in the longitudinal joints (shear keys) and associated reflective cracking in composite decks for adjacent prestressed concrete box beam bridges. This improved behavior with UHPC joints may result in longer service life performance of these popular bridge designs. The research also monitored and evaluated the 2017 UHPC closure placement for the Hazelton-Etna road bridge over I-70, since this was a new application of UHPC for Ohio and the United States at the time. Data was collected during placement and during different seasonal periods to monitor daily and seasonal thermal effects. Comparing the data collected from 2017 to 2018 (approximately one year after the UHPC placement), the UHPC is responding in a similar manner which implies no cracking occurred. The final objective of the research was to provide review and advisement to ODOT related to the GAL 160-18.84 UHPC deck panel connections. However, the Department ultimately directed the contractor to construct a traditional cast-in-place deck for reasons unrelated to UHPC. The proposed end panels had a unique connection to deal with a large skew of the bridge alignment. At the time, the project would have been the largest placement of UHPC material in Ohio.