Cracking, Bond, and Durability Performance of Internally Cured Cementitious Grouts for Prefabricated Bridge Element Connections

Abstract

The use of cementitious grouts in prefabricated bridge element (PBE) connections is a common practice in the USA. Given the important role that these connections play within the infrastructure, the grout materials used must provide good flowability, mechanical and durability properties, low shrinkage, and good bond to the precast concrete element. However, this type of grout material has shown serviceability issues in the form of volume instabilities (primarily shrinkage). The inclusion of internal curing (IC) in cementitious grouts with the goal of reducing shrinkage has been successfully demonstrated in a previous study. The research presented in this paper extends upon that prior study and assesses the IC effect on properties relevant to PBE grout connections. The paper uses novel experimental techniques such as the dual ring test, formation factor concepts, and microstructural analysis to evaluate improvements in cracking, bond, and durability performance. The results show that, while the IC grouts did not alter the bond performance, they improved their cracking and durability properties. The inclusion of IC in cementitious grouts is presented here as a strategy to increase the durability and thus sustainability of bridge structures.

Research on the Factors Influencing the Seismic Performance of Grouting Sleeve Assembled Double-Column Piers

“…With the implementation and execution of the green highway construction concept, it is necessary to develop a prefabricated assembled bridge structural system to adapt to the industrialized construction technology of "factory prefabrication + on-site installation" to improve the production efficiency and guarantee the quality of the construction, and reduce the environmental effect of highway construction. The prefabricated assembled bridge has the advantages of a short construction period, green environmental protection, high safety, strong applicability to complex environments, and minimal effect on the surrounding environment, and its expanding application scope is one of the important trends in the development of the construction industry [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. However, the application of prefabricated assembled bridges in earthquake-prone areas is minimal, and many countries only use prefabricated assembled bridges in lowintensity areas because the seismic theory of assembled bridges is not yet perfect.…”

Experimental Study on Performance of Modified Cement-Based Building Materials under High-Water-Pressure Surrounding Rock Environment

“…To increase permeability and protect the lining structure and the environment, the surrounding rock of the tunnel can be strengthened by grouting. Traditional grouting materials have good water-plugging and reinforcement effects in static environments, but the disadvantages of a slow setting time, dispersion resistance, and weak crack resistance of the traditional slurry will lead to a poor grouting effect in high-water-pressure and moving environments [3][4][5][6]. Therefore, an important research goal is to improve traditional cement-based grouting materials to meet the grouting requirements under high water pressure and in a dynamic water environment and to improve the application range of building materials.…”