Research In Progress: Developing Iowa’s Own Ultra-High Performance Concrete for Bridge Decks, TR-773, 2024

(2024) Research In Progress: Developing Iowa’s Own Ultra-High Performance Concrete for Bridge Decks, TR-773, 2024. Transportation, Department of

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Abstract

This research project aims to develop, test, and implement non-proprietary ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) mixtures tailored to equip the bridge decks with a protective layer against environmental and mechanical stressors. For this purpose, utilizing the ingredients available from local resources and regional suppliers in Iowa, the non-proprietary UHPC mixture designs developed for Iowa bridges as part of Project TR-773 will be adjusted and optimized, especially to achieve the expected balance between flow and viscosity. With completing a set of laboratory investigations, the outcome will provide a UHPC mixture design enabled with the properties required for bridge deck and overlay applications. In the next step, laboratory trials and field studies will be performed to determine the optimal surface preparations and curing regimes. This will directly assist the contractors with the implementation of non-proprietary UHPC for a wide range of target applications.