Successful HPC Bridge Deck Construction: A Contractor’s Perspective

This paper describes how high performance concrete (HPC) has been implemented in bridge projects for several years around the world. However, there is no standard mix design, or a standard way to construct and maintain HPC pavement. The additives and admixtures in HPC cause the concrete to perform differently than a concrete mix of water, cement and aggregate. As one contractor implemented HPC into steel-reinforced cast-in-place bridge decks, the team faced and met several challenges using the material. Their success using HPC came with several lessons from the perspective of the contractor that can be applied to future implementation of HPC in bridge construction: selecting an appropriate mix, placing and curing the concrete, and maintaining or repairing the concrete.