Comparison of Properties of Fresh and Hardened Concrete in Bridge Decks

About the report:

A study was made on 17 bridge decks constructed in 1963 under regular construction procedures. The purpose was (1) to compare important properties of concrete as freshly placed in randomly selected bridge decks with those after hardening of the concrete, (2) to detect the influence, if any, of different screeding methods, and (3) to relate the performance of the decks to the observed properties of the fresh and hardened concrete. Some of the conclusions from this study were as follows: (1) The primary cause of variable or borderline performance of concrete in bridge decks is variable or borderline fresh concrete. Many of the deficiencies have been overcome by changes in specifications and procedures instituted since the construction of the bridges included in the study. (2) No influence of the screeding method on the properties of the concrete in place was found. (3) When viewed against the perfection desired by the engineer, the performance of these decks has been disappointing or borderline. When viewed against the performance that would be expected from concrete with the properties observed, the performance has been better than might be expected.

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