Masters Theses

Abstract

"This study involved the investigation of the causes of spalling observed in several partial-depth precast prestressed bridge decks in the state of Missouri. Recently it has been observed that several bridges in Missouri with this type of construction have experienced spalling of concrete at the edges of the panels revealing an extreme condition of corrosion in the prestressing tendons, some to the point of rupture. Ground penetrating radar (GPR), which has been shown to be successful in bridge deck evaluation, was used to determine the relative condition of the prestressing tendons as well as the relative condition of the concrete throughout the deck in order to identify areas of cracking and corrosion. Particular techniques were used in an attempt to identify areas of delamination at the interface between the precast panels and cast-in-place topping slab, namely the acquisition of data from both the top and bottom deck surfaces as well as specialized data interpretation techniques. Core control and visual inspection were utilized to interpret and validate the GPR data. Half-cell, resistivity and rebound hammer testing was performed on bridge deck panels to determine the corrosion levels of the prestressing strands and material properties of the panels. Findings indicate that spalling in the PPC panels is the result of the penetration of water and chlorides through the reflective cracking in the CIP topping, to the interface between the CIP topping and the PPC panels, then through the PPC panels to the prestressing tendons located near the panel joints. Increased crack control in the CIP topping delays the onset of spalling at the panel joints. Most deterioration is occurring near the area of reflective cracking in the CIP topping and not in the area of concrete over the middle of the panels. Some delamination is occurring at the CIP topping and panel interface"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Sneed, Lesley

Committee Member(s)

Belarbi, Abdeldjelil
Anderson, Neil L. (Neil Lennart), 1954-

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Missouri University of Science and Technology. Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety
Missouri. Department of Transportation

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2010

Pagination

xii, 146 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 73-76).

Geographic Coverage

Missouri

Rights

© 2010 Kandi Rebecca Wieberg, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Concrete bridges -- Deterioration -- Evaluation -- Missouri
Concrete bridges -- Nondestructive testing
Ground penetrating radar

Thesis Number

T 9692

Print OCLC #

692199097

Electronic OCLC #

751989139

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