Abstract
Steel H-piles are a common structural system in existing bridges. Many steel H-piles have been corroded as a result of severe weather and acid/alkaline salt exposures, causing a reduction in the axial load capacity. This paper experimentally investigates the use of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) encasement as a novel repair method for corroded steel H-pile. UHPC displays better tensile strength, early compressive strength, workability, and durability compared with conventional concrete. The proposed repair is used to bridge the corroded section in H-pile using either a cast-in-place or precast UHPC elements. A series of push-out tests was conducted on eight full-scale piles to assess the axial force that can be transferred through shear studs and bond between the UHPC and steel piles. The test parameters include the type of casting of the UHPC, that is, cast-in-place versus precast elements, thickness and shape of the UHPC elements, an inclusion of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) grid, number and grade of bolts, an inclusion of washer, and applying torque on the bolts. The experimental work demonstrated that the UHPC precast repair can be easily implemented. Moreover, using 57mm (2.25 in.) thick UHPC plates reinforced by two layers of the CFRP grid was capable of transferring up to 81% of the squash load of the H-pile.
Recommended Citation
B. Shrestha et al., "Innovative Approach to Repair Corroded Steel Piles using Ultra-High Performance Concrete," Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, vol. 2674, no. 12, pp. 1 - 14, SAGE Publications, Dec 2020.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198120929329
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0361-1981; 2169-4052
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2020 SAGE Publications, All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Publication Date
01 Dec 2020
Comments
This experimental research project was conducted at Missouri University of Science and Technology and was funded by the Mid-America Transportation Center (MATC), and Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).