Lightweight HPC Bulb-T beams with Self-Consolidating Concrete in a Bridge Structure

About the project:

Lightweight high-performance concrete (LWHPC) is expected to provide high strength and high durability with reduced dead load. High durability leads to extended service lives. High strengths can be used in beams to reduce the number of beams, reduce the cross section of beams, or achieve longer spans, leading to cost savings. Reduction in dead load will further enhance the benefits of high strength. Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) provides very high workability and fills the congested spaces under its own mass without any additional consolidation energy. The purpose of this research is to evaluate prestressed LWHPC Bulb-T beams with SCC in a bridge structure. The bridge is on Rte 17 over Rte 15/29 in Fauquier County. It has 2 spans, each 98 ft-7 in long. Two test beams, 60 ft long with the same cross-section as the actual beams, will be cast and tested prior to the fabrication of bridge beams. Bridge beams will be instrumented for temperature and long-term strains.

Project Team

Principal Investigators