Cracking of newly constructed high-performance concrete (HPC) bridges is a problem recognized nationwide and the Nevada Department of Transportation has been plagued with this distress in their HPC concrete bridge decks. This research effort is a strategic attempt to reduce or eliminate random cracking that is caused by restrained shrinkage in new concrete bridge decks constructed in Nevada. The overall objective will be achieved through a three phase research program of which the results of Phase I are being reported in this document. Phase I research findings provide a synthesis of state, regional, and national practices and knowledge on factors contributing to HPC bridge deck cracking. With respect to materials and mixture proportioning, the overwhelming conclusion is that the shrinkage of the concrete mixture, especially at early-ages, must be reduced and the concrete’s resistance to cracking must be Improved. A rigorous, Phase II laboratory experiment was designed and is presented herein. This Phase II laboratory experiment focuses on local materials and will assess the properties of concrete mixtures that are related to early-age drying shrinkage restraint cracking. Ultimately, these research findings could be used to revise standard specifications and special provisions for Nevada DOT bridge decks and eventually reduce the overall incidence of restraint cracking due to concrete drying shrinkage.

Early-age shrinkage cracking has been observed in many concrete bridge decks in Washington State and elsewhere around the U.S. The cracking increases the effects of freeze-thaw damage, spalling, and corrosion of steel reinforcement, thus resulting in premature deterioration and structural deficiency of the bridges. In this study, the main causes of the early-age cracking in the decks are identified, and concrete mix designs as a strategy to prevent or minimize the shrinkage cracking are evaluated. Different sources (eastern and western Washington) and sizes of aggregates are considered, and the effects of paste content, cementitious materials (cement, fly ash, silica fume, slag), and shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA) are evaluated. A series of fresh, mechanical and shrinkage property tests were performed for each concrete mix. The outcomes of this study identify optimum concrete mix designs as appropriate mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate early-age shrinkage cracking and thus help minimize shrinkage cracking in the concrete bridge decks, potentially leading to longer service life.

In late 2009, the Echo Wash and Valley of Fire bridge decks were constructed in the Lake Mead National Recreation area in Nevada. Within six months after installation, in early 2010, both decks exhibited considerable transverse cracking, with some cracks extending through the thickness of the deck. Similar cracking was observed in the Snake River bridge deck in Wyoming. This report details the results of a two-pronged approach to examining the causes of such cracking.

Early-age shrinkage cracking has been observed in many concrete bridge decks in Washington State and elsewhere around the U.S. The cracking increases the effects of freeze-thaw damage, spalling, and corrosion of steel reinforcement, thus resulting in premature deterioration and structural deficiency of the bridges. In this study, the main causes of the early-age cracking in the decks are identified, and concrete mix designs as a strategy to prevent or minimize the shrinkage cracking are evaluated. Different sources (eastern and western Washington) and sizes of aggregates are considered, and the effects of paste content, cementitious materials (cement, fly ash, silica fume, slag), and shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA) are evaluated. A series of fresh, mechanical and shrinkage property tests were performed for each concrete mix. The outcomes of this study identify optimum concrete mix designs as appropriate mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate early-age shrinkage cracking and thus help minimize shrinkage cracking in the concrete bridge decks, potentially leading to longer service life.