CONSTRUCTION OF CRACK-FREE BRIDGE DECKS TRANSPORTATION POOLED-FUND STUDY

ii The purpose and specifications for the construction of Low-Cracking, High-Performance Concrete (LC-HPC) bridge decks are discussed. The survey process for evaluating the cracking performance of bridge decks is described. Seven LC-HPC decks and seven control decks were surveyed according to this process. Crack densities were calculated for each deck and trends in crack patterns were noted. The LC-HPC decks yielded significantly lower crack densities than did the control decks. Most cracks in LC-HPC and control decks were oriented in the transverse direction and were located directly above the transverse reinforcement. For superelevated decks, crack densities were greater in areas of the deck at higher elevations, likely due to greater settlement cracking and inadequate curing on the elevated portion of the decks. ii