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Application of ECC for bridge deck link slabs

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Abstract

In this article, the application of ECC in a bridge deck link slab is described. The unique ultra high tensile ductility and tight crack width of self-consolidating ECC is exploited in this application to improve bridge deck constructability, durability, and sustainability. Design guidelines and material specifications were developed for implementation of this ECC link slab technology. A construction project implementing these guidelines and specifications was conducted in 2005 on an ECC-concrete bridge deck in southeast Michigan, USA. This article summarizes the experience of this project.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to graciously thank the Michigan DOT and the US National Science Foundation MUSES Grant (CMS-0223971 and CMS-0329416) for partially funding this research, in particular Mr. Roger Till, P.E. and Mr. David Juntunen, P.E. of MDOT. The authors would also like to thank Professor Jerome P. Lynch and Mr. Tsung-Chin Hou for the administration of proof load testing, and Dr. Gregor Fischer and Dr. Yun Yong Kim for their advice and discussions.

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Correspondence to Victor C. Li.

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Lepech, M.D., Li, V.C. Application of ECC for bridge deck link slabs. Mater Struct 42, 1185–1195 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-009-9544-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-009-9544-5

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