Evaluation of High Absorptive Materials to Improve Internal Curing of Low Permeability Concrete: [Executive Summary]

2007PDFBriefFHWA/OH-2007/06Job Number: 134227AbsorptionBridge decksCoarse aggregatesConcreteConcrete curingBridges and other structuresDesignFinanceHighwaysMaterialsI24: Design of Bridges and Retaining WallsI32: ConcreteOhioUnited StatesOhio. Dept. of Transportation. Office of Research and DevelopmentDelatte, NorbertCleveland State University. Dept. of Civil and Environmental EngineeringOhio. Dept. of TransportationUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionThe purpose of this research was to develop methods to economically produce more durable and crack resistant high performance concrete using internal curing. Observations by ODOT District 12 indicated that there is a relationship between the amount of cracking on the bridge decks and the absorption of the coarse aggregate. District 12 developed a specification requirement for HPC concrete that requires aggregates to have 1% or greater absorption. This research project was carried out to evaluate and validate District 12 findings and, if true, establish other alternate methods of providing internal moisture for curing. One alternative is the use of highly absorptive products in small quantities such as fine lightweight aggregate (LWA)