Construction of Field-Cast Ultra-High Performance Concrete Connections

Abstract

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is an emerging construction material that has been demonstrated to advance the state of the art for construction of prefabricated bridge elements and systems (PBES). Specifically, UHPC allows for significant simplifications in the design of the component connections, while simultaneously affording enhanced durability and simplified construction practices. As of early 2012, 18 bridges in the United States and Canada have been constructed using field-cast UHPC connections, and this note displays two of those bridges. The first bridge shown is the first bridge in the United States to use field-cast UHPC connections. Eight simple span deck-bulb- tee girders were joined with non-contact lap splice deck-level connections. The second bridge has precast concrete deck panels and field-cast UHPC connections. However, as with any new technology, initial deployments of field-cast UHPC technology face hurdles relating to inevitable construction process changes. This TechNote provides an introduction to many of the topics that should be considered when deploying UHPC connections.