Mitigation of Shrinkage Cracking in Bridge Decks Using Type-K Cement

Cracks in concrete shorten the life of bridge decks by providing easy access for deicing chemicals. This paper investigates the use of Type-K cement as a partial replacement of Portland cement to potentially reduce cracking in bridge decks due to drying shrinkage. The first portion of the investigation consisted of large-scale laboratory experimentation conducted through the use of 2 m x 3 m experimental concrete bridge deck models. The second phase of the research focused on monitoring a newly constructed bridge deck located in Peoria, Illinois. The research involved both experimental and field investigation in order to provide a better understanding of how strain changes under service conditions, and to compare and contrast the measured strains within the large-scale experimental deck. The results showed that Type-K cement expands during early-age hydration producing compressive stresses in the concrete and reduces the onset of cracking in bridge decks.