Investigation of Techniques for Accelerating the Construction of Bridge Deck Overlays

Category: Completed Projects
Group: Decks
Subject: Deck Overlays
State: Iowa
Abstract:

Use of bridge deck overlays is important in maximizing bridge service life. Overlays can replace the deteriorated part of the deck, thus extending the bridge life. Even though overlay construction avoids the construction of a whole new bridge deck, construction still takes significant time in re-opening the bridge to traffic. Current processes and practices are time-consuming and multiple opportunities may exist to reduce overall construction time by modifying construction requirements and/or materials utilized. Reducing the construction time could have an effect on reducing the socioeconomic costs associated with bridge deck rehabilitation and the inconvenience caused to travelers.

This work included three major tasks with literature review, field investigation, and laboratory testing.

Overlay concrete mix used for present construction takes long curing hours and therefore an investigation was carried out to find fast-curing concrete mixes that could reduce construction time. Several fast-cuing concrete mixes were found and suggested for further evaluation.

An on-going overlay construction project was observed and documented. Through these observations, several opportunities were suggested where small modifications in the process could lead to significant time savings.

With current standards of the removal depth of substrate concrete in Iowa, it takes long hours for the removal process. Four different laboratory tests were performed with different loading conditions to determine the necessary substrate concrete removal depth for a proper bond between the substrate concrete and the new overlay concrete. Several parameters, such as failure load, bond stress, and stiffness, were compared for four different concrete removal depths.

Through the results and observations of this investigation several conclusions were made, which could reduce bridge deck overlay construction time.


Key Words: bridge deck overlays, bridge deck rehabilitation, bridge service life, overlay construction time, overlay curing time
Specific ABC aspect:

Budget and Timeline


Budget (USD): 50000.00
Project length: 24
Project Starting Year: 2014
Project Completion Year: 2016

Primary Sponsor


Iowa Department of Transportation
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010 USA
(515) 239-1205

Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590 USA


Primary Performing Organization


Iowa State University, Ames
Institute for Transportation Studies
2711 S. Loop Drive Suite 4700
Ames, IA 50010-8864 USA

PI
Brent M. Phares
Director, Bridge Engineering Center
(515) 294-5879
bphares@iastate.edu


Other Documents


View accelerating_bridge_deck_overlay_construction_w_cvr-final-report.pdf

Other Related URLs


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