REVIEW OF CLASS-E CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

In an effort to determine likely causes of cracking experienced in new Class E high performance concrete bridge decks, sight inspections of nine bridges in the Spartanburg, South Carolina area were conducted and a thorough review of construction documentation from three of these sights was carried out. Additionally, a review of the South Carolina State University (SCSU)/South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) report A Study of Microsilica Concrete, from which Class E concrete specifications were derived, and of SCDOT Concrete Specifications was conducted. Finally, a review of bridge deck cracking phenomena and alternative bridge deck designs was carried out. It is concluded that observed cracking has two likely causes. Early-age shrinkage cracking resulted from poor curing practices. Load induced cracking, appearing shortly after the spans were open to traffic may result from the relatively stiff decks being placed on more flexible bridge superstructures. Recommendations regarding concrete mix design, application of design parameters and on site quality control are presented. Alternative high performance bridge deck schemes are reviewed.