MPC
Research Projects (2007-08)

Identifying Number

MPC-279

Project Title

Application of Self-Consolidating Concrete in Bridge Structures, Year 2

University

South Dakota State University

Project Investigators

Dr. Nadim Wehbe and Dr. Arden Sigl

Description of Project Abstract

The use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) for the manufacture of precast structural elements provides the benefits of increased rate of production, reduced labor needs (safety), and enhanced product quality. The same benefits apply to cast-in-place construction, especially with closely spaced reinforcing steel and narrow elements, which can cause problems with concrete consolidation.

The use of SCC in the United States has been limited because of concerns about certain design and construction issues. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is interested in performing laboratory work to develop concrete mixture designs for SCC using crushed limestone (western South Dakota) and crushed quartzite (eastern South Dakota) coarse aggregate in the concrete. The concrete mixtures will be modified to allow for applications in precast and cast-in-place box culverts. The concrete properties, workability, ease of construction and performance would be monitored during construction of two precast and two cast-in-place box culverts. Using the developed SCC mixes.

Project Objectives

1. Evaluate the performance and feasibility of SCC for use in cast-in-place and precast concrete products
2. Develop draft specifications, acceptance criteria, mix qualifications, and guidance for use of SCC by SDDOT

Project Approach/Methods

• Task 1 – Review literature regarding SCC practices in other state transportation departments and industry and report results to technical panel.
• Task 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.
• Task 3 – Meet with the technical panel to review project scope and work plan and provide minutes of meeting to technical panel.
• Task 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.
• Task 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.
• Task 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.
• Task 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.)
• Task 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.
• Task 9 – Develop evaluation criteria—including constructability, cost, quality, safety, durability, and other appropriate factors—for using SCC in South Dakota.
• Task 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.
• Task 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.
• Task 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.
• Task 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.
• Task 14 – Prepare a final report and executive summary of the literature review, research methodology, findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Task 15 – Make an executive presentation to the SDDOT Research Review Board at the conclusion of the project.

Contributions/Potential Applications of Research

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

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 learnt on SCC. Graduate and undergraduate students will also learn about the use and design of SCC mixes through involvement in the research.

Time Duration

July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008

Yearly and Total Project Cost

$8,000 Total: $69,629

TRB Keywords

Self-consolidating concrete, self-compacting concrete, SCC, box culverts, bridge structures