Field demonstration of durable link slabs for joinless bridge deck based on strain hardening cementitious composites - phase 3 : shrinkage control

The research is on the development of durable link slabs for jointless bridge decks based on strain-hardening cementitious composite-engineered cementitious composite (ECC). Specifically, the superior ductility of ECC was utilized to accommodate bridge deck deformations imposed by girder deflection, concrete shrinkage, and temperature variations, providing a cost-effective solution to a number of deterioration problems associated with bridge deck joints. In this phase 3, research was initiated at developing a solution for early-age cracking observed on the Grove Street Bridge ECC link-slab. Although these cracks are small, about half the size allowable by ASSHTO, and they are bridged by fibers, with load-carrying capability, it is desirable to as much as possible eliminate such early age cracking.