Thesis
Monitoring performance of joints in UHPC bridge in Buchanan County, Iowa
University of Iowa
Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
Spring 2020
DOI: 10.17077/etd.005414
Abstract
To optimize the ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) technology, a unique UHPC technology was developed by varying length and diameter of steel fibers. In comparison with other UHPC’s, the proposed UHPC material exhibited higher compressive and tensile strengths. This paper presents the construction and performance monitoring of a new UHPC bridge utilizing an innovative UHPC technology from Korea. This is the third bridge built using UHPC materials in the US. Unlike other UHPC materials, the proposed UHPC material was produced with local cement and aggregates using typical ready-mix concrete equipment. This paper discusses experiences gained from the design and construction process including mix design, batching, delivery of steel fibers to the ready-mix concrete batch unit, and post-tensioning of precast slabs. Joints of the bridge decks have been monitored using strain gauges, mounted on each side of a joint, for several years. Based on the strain measured under the heavy truck loadings over several years, the magnitude of all strain values was very small, less than 20 micro-strains. The strains measured from each side of a joint were also quite similar indicating a good load transfer between bridge decks. Finally, a comprehensive 3D FEA bridge model was developed to estimate the bridge performance. Numerical straining analysis was conducted for the girders and their results were compared with the field data from the test sections. The finite element model showed a higher straining under the same truck loads. Based on the finite element model the maximum straining occurred in the top slab. While the maximum deformation appeared in the exterior bulbs.
It can be concluded that the bridge built using a new UHPC technology was successfully constructed and has been satisfactorily performing. In the future, more bridges would be built using UHPC materials, which is stronger and more ductile with fewer rebars than the regular concrete materials.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Monitoring performance of joints in UHPC bridge in Buchanan County, Iowa
- Creators
- Xinyu Hu
- Contributors
- Hosin (David) Lee (Advisor)M. Asghar Bhatti (Committee Member)Paul F Hanley (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Date degree season
- Spring 2020
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- DOI
- 10.17077/etd.005414
- Number of pages
- xi, 75 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2020 Xinyu Hu
- Comment
- This thesis has been optimized for improved web viewing. If you require the original version, contact the University Archives at the University of Iowa: https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/contact/
- Language
- English
- Description illustrations
- color illustrations
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 74-75).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
This paper presents the construction and performance monitoring of a new UHPC bridge utilizing an innovative UHPC technology from Korea. This is the third bridge built using UHPC materials in the US. This paper discusses experiences gained from the design and construction process. Joints of the bridge decks have been monitored for several years and the measurements indicated a good load transfer between decks.
Finally, a comprehensive 3D FEA bridge model was developed to estimate the bridge performance. The finite element model showed a higher straining under the same loads. Based on the finite element model the maximum straining occurred in the top slab. While the maximum deformation appeared in the exterior bulbs.
It can be concluded that the bridge built using a new UHPC technology was successfully constructed and has been satisfactorily performing. In the future, more bridges would be built using UHPC materials, which is stronger and more ductile with fewer rebars than the regular concrete materials.
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9983966296202771
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