Bridge Applications

Implementation of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) Decked I-Beam in Ontario

---

Abstract

The structural engineering firm, e.construct (Omaha, Nebraska, United States), has designed an Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) decked I-beam to be installed at a new privately-owned vehicular bridge in Shanty Bay, Ontario, Canada for demonstration and evaluation. Through a technology transfer joint venture agreement between FACCA Incorporated (Ruscom, Ontario, Canada) and Dura Technology (Ipoh, Malaysia), the Dura UHPC is batched using local North American raw materials. This paper will focus on development of the UHPC decked I-beam and adjustments that have come about during the on-going implementation process for this Design-Build project. The paper will also list items needing further investigation. One of the biggest challenges faced thus far has been the creation of formwork that will allow for the top flange waffle deck to be cast simultaneously with the rest of the beam without creation of any cold joints. Economy in utilizing the relatively expensive UHPC and desire to reduce the number of ribs in the top flange resulted in an optimized spacing of 500 mm (20 in.). To keep the rib width to a minimum, high strength corrosion resistant steel, ChrōmX, was introduced. Prototype pieces and small specimens are currently being cast for element testing.

Keywords: UHPC, Formwork, Ultra-High Performance Concrete, Waffle Deck

How to Cite:

Tadros, M. K., Sevenker, A., Gardonio, D. & Loh, P., (2019) “Implementation of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) Decked I-Beam in Ontario”, International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete 2(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.21838/uhpc.9656