UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 2 Research Projects

Project No.: CY3-OU-08
Title: Evaluation of UHPC Shell Stay-in-Place Formwork and BCSA Cement Concrete Prestressed Girders
Performing Institution: University of Oklahoma
Principal Investigator: Royce Floyd, University of Oklahoma
Start and Anticipated Completion Dates: 01/01/2026 to 01/15/2027
Abstract: Precast prestressed bridge girders are used for a large percentage of bridges in the United States. These bridges are susceptible to deterioration at the supports due to leaking expansion joints and end region cracking caused by high stresses at the beam ends. This project will evaluate the feasibility and structural performance of a hybrid precast, prestressed concrete girder system that utilizes an ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) shell stay-in-place formwork or end region insert and rapid setting belitic calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) cement concrete. UHPC is a relatively recent advancement in cementitious composite materials with mechanical and durability properties far exceeding those of conventional concrete. This research is intended to address the concern of end region durability by encapsulating the girder concrete with a nearly impermeable layer of UHPC that is also resistant to cracking. The rapid setting of BCSA cement concrete and use of stay-in-place forms can increase the speed of production of the prestressed girders and BCSA cement concrete has reduced prestress losses over time.  

The research will consist of evaluating small-scale behavior of composite UHPC shell and BCSA cement concrete compression and flexural elements, and construction and testing of large-scale prestressed beam elements. The objectives of the project are to evaluate the feasibility of using rapid setting BCSA cement concrete in conjunction with a UHPC shell for prestressed concrete elements, determine flexure and shear failure mechanisms and associated capacity for composite UHPC shell elements, and develop effective interface details for the UHPC shell to BCSA cement concrete.
Click to read more