MPC
Research Projects (2006-07)

Identifying Number

MPC-279

Project Title

Structural Applications of Self-Consolidating Concrete, Year 1

University

South Dakota State University

Project Investigator:

Nadim Wehbe
South Dakota State University
nadim.wehbe@sdstate.edu

External Project Contact

Paul Oien
South Dakota Dept of Transportation
paul.oien@state.sd.us

Project Objective

Evaluate the feasibility and performance of SCC for use in cast-in-place and precast concrete products. Develop draft specifications, acceptance criteria, mix qualifications, and guidelines for use of SCC by South Dakota DOT.

Project Abstract

Past experience in South Dakota indicates that the construction of narrow-walled box culverts using standard concrete mix designs may result in internal voids and construction defects. The use of SCC may eliminate the occurrence of such defects and result in better final product. Few departments of transportation across the United States have initiated or completed studies to evaluate the feasibility and performance of SCC in bridge structural elements. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) does not allow the use of SCC in its projects. As a result, the precast and concrete production industry in South Dakota is lagging technologically in the production of SCC.

SCC mix proportions and properties are dependent, among other factors, upon the physical properties of the coarse aggregates used in the mix. Precast and concrete producers normally use limestone aggregates in western South Dakota and quartzite aggregates in eastern South Dakota. SDDOT does not currently have specifications or mix qualification guidelines for the use of SCC. Therefore, SDDOT needs to determine SCC mix designs and acceptance criteria that are suitable for bridge applications in South Dakota.

Task Descriptions

1. Review literature regarding SCC practices in other state transportation departments and industry and report results to technical panel.
2. From literature review, determine if shrinkage and creep testing should be done and what methods would be appropriate for use with cast-in-place and precast box culvert construction.
3. Meet with the technical panel to review project scope and work plan and provide minutes of meeting to technical panel.
4. Develop mix design performance objectives for use in evaluating performance of SCC mixes in laboratory as well as field construction and present to technical panel for approval prior to beginning Task 5.
5. Through collaboration with the precast and ready-mix industry, propose SCC mix designs for South Dakota materials for precast and cast-in-place concrete products. Include a quartzite mix and a limestone mix for use by precasting plants as well as mixes for use by ready-mix producers.
6. Verify through small batch production four mix designs identified in Task 5 using slump flow with VSI (visual stability index), J-ring, L-box, column segregation, and hardened cut cylinders in addition to standard fresh concrete property tests. Mixes should be adjusted and retested as required to meet objectives identified in Task 4.
7. Conduct on-site construction inspection of four separate construction projects that will have a portion of the project constructed with one of the four SCC mix designs tested in Task 6. Slump flow with VSI (visual stability index), J-ring, and wet concrete property tests will be used for acceptance to place concrete into forms. Hardened cut cylinders will be used to determine aggregate distribution. Mixes will meet objectives identified in Task 4. (SDDOT will arrange to get concrete on four projects-two precast and two cast-in-place.)
8. By November 20, 2006 provide an interim report including draft specifications, mix qualification, acceptance criteria, and guidelines for use, based on completion of one cast-in-place and one precast project in Task 7.
9. Develop evaluation criteria-including constructability, cost, quality, safety, durability, and other appropriate factors-for using SCC in South Dakota.
10. Conduct on-site construction inspection and field inspection after one winter in service on one cast-in-place and one precast box culvert project. Both projects will use SCC concrete for the entire length. SDDOT will identify projects at a later date.
11. Conduct on-site pre-construction and construction inspection of one cast-in-place and one precast box culvert project using standard mix design. SDDOT will provide list of projects at a later date.
12. Evaluate the two box culvert projects constructed in Task 10 by comparing to precast and cast-in-place box culverts construction in Task 11 and using criteria identified in Task 9.
13. Review and refine draft specifications for use of SCC in SDDOT including mix qualification, acceptance criteria, and guidelines for use based on additional information gained in Task 8.
14. Prepare a final report and executive summary of the literature review, research methodology, findings, conclusions and recommendations.
15. Make an executive presentation to the SDDOT Research Review Board at the conclusion of the project.

Milestones, Dates

Starting Date: June 1, 2006
Ending Date: June 30, 2007

Yearly and Total Budget

$35,420.00

Student Involvement

One graduate student and two undergraduate students will be assigned to the project.

Relationship to Other Research Projects

SDSU already has a research study in place to investigate the structural performance of prestressed SCC in bridge girders. There will be some overlapping work between the bridge girder project and the box culvert project so it would be very cost effective to complete both projects concurrently.

Technology Transfer Activities

At the end of the study, a comprehensive report will be published to document the research procedures and results, and to provide draft specifications and guidelines for use of SCC in bridge structures. Technical presentations will be offered to bridge engineers and technicians in Region 8 to transfer the knowledge gained on SCC. South Dakota DOT personnel will obtain training on the methods for testing SCC. Graduate and undergraduate students will also learn about the use and design of SCC mixes through involvement in the research.

Potential Benefits of the Project

The results from this research will be used to aid in developing guidelines and specifications for using SCC in normal DOT construction practice.

TRB Keywords

Self-Consolidating Concrete, SCC, Box Culverts, Bridge Structures