Performance Analysis of High Early-Strength Concrete for Accelerated Bridge Construction Closure Pour Connections

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) are becoming a popular alternative for new bridge construction as well as in existing bridge deck replacement because of its reduced time spent in situ activities. A main function of these bridges is the use of prefabricated components. Prefabricated structural components are joined in the field with closure pours using high performance materials such as steel and concrete to ensure proper transfer of forces between components. The purpose of this research was to create a method to develop concrete mixtures that are designed using some general constituents and that satisfy performance requirements of accelerated bridge construction closure pours primarily high early strength and long-term durability. Two concrete mixtures were developed with a primary goal of reaching high-early strength while maintaining constructability. The secondary goal of the concrete mixtures was to be durable; therefore, measures were taken during the development of the concrete mixture to generate a mixture that also had durable properties.