DOI

10.5703/1288284313152

Abstract

Thirty-four slab specimens with splices and transverse steel were tested in the laboratory to evaluate the structural performance of concrete bridge decks reinforced with epoxy-coated steel. Thirty specimens were tested under fatigue loading, and four were tested monotonically. Evaluations were made by comparing the performance of uncoated bar concrete specimens with that of epoxy-coated specimens under service and ultimate load conditions. In addition, a field evaluation of six bridges was conducted to assess the in-service condition of concrete bridge decks reinforced with epoxy-coated steel in Indiana. The laboratory results indicated fewer but wider cracks in specimens with epoxy-coated reinforcement. No significant differences in the first cracking load were found between uncoated specimens and epoxy-coated specimens. The splitting crack load and failure load were lower for specimens with epoxy-coated steel. Deflections of epoxy-coated specimens were larger. The differences in crackwidth and deflection were reduced with repeated loading. The average bond ratios were 0.78 and 0.75 for repeated loading tests. No signs of corrosion were found in the epoxy-coated steel samples extracted from cores taken in the six bridges evaluated. Evaluation of the field data revealed that the combination of adequate concrete cover and epoxy-coated steel has provided a good corrosion protection to date. This evaluation included the first bridge in Indiana where epoxy-coated reinforcement was placed (Circa 1976).

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JHRP-94/09

Keywords

structural performance, deflections, crack width and spacing, bond, bridge deck, epoxy-coated reinforcing steel, corrosion of reinforcing steel, HPR-2036

SPR Number

2036

Project Number

C-36-56CC

File Number

7-4-29

Performing Organization

Joint Highway Research Project

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, IN

Date of this Version

1995

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