Research in Progress
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PCA's research program is aimed at addressing critical needs of the industry, understanding behavior and improving performance of concrete bridges. The following is a list of current PCA sponsored bridge research projects:
Recommendations for Grouting Post-Tensioned Tendons
Principle Investigator: Dr. Andrea Schokker, Pennsylvania State University
Objectives: To develop recommendations to aid the engineer in avoiding grouts with potentially corrosive bleed water, to suggest techniques for overcoming the problems seen in poorly grouted tendons, and to summarize significant literature pertaining to the problems associated with grouting of post-tensioned tendons in bridges.
Effects of High Performance Concrete on Concrete Durability
Principal Investigator: Prof. Carolyn M. Hansson, University of Waterloo
Objective: To determine HPC's potential for providing long-term corrosion protection to reinforcing steel. Research parameters include critical crack width, pore solution chemistry, and chloride binding effects.
Effect of Superstructure Flexibility on Bridge Deck Deterioration
Principle Investigator: Dr. Neil M. Hawkins, University of Illinois
Objectives: To evaluate the effect of superstructure flexibility on concrete bridge deck deterioration, to identify parameters that accelerate this deterioration, and to develop criteria to design and build more durable bridge decks.
Curing of HPC Bridge Decks
Principle Investigator: Dr. R.D. Hooton, University of Toronto
Objectives: To study the effect of water to cementitious materials ratio, water content, supplementary cementing material content, and curing on obtaining a discontinuous capillary pore system essential for the long-term durability of HPC, and to evaluate minimum curing regimes to avoid or minimize cracking of HPC decks.
Suggestions for research to improve concrete bridge technology should be sent to sbhide@portcement.org.
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