Field Experience and Structural Performance of Self-Consolidating Concrete in High-Rise and Bridge Construction-Structural Performance of Alabama’s First SCC Precast, Prestressed Girder Bridge (Recorded presentation)

Structural Performance of Alabama’s First SCC Precast, Prestressed Girder Bridge (Recorded presentation)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation discusses a project in Alabama exploring the use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) for pre-stressed bridge girders. Initially small-scale trials were conducted, progressing to full-scale implementation. The study compared SCC with vibrated concrete (VC) in a four-span bridge featuring both concrete types. Each bridge girder was embedded with sensors to monitor strain and temperature over time. Results showed similar performance between SCC and VC in terms of compressive strength, even though SCC exhibited slightly lower modulus elasticity and higher shrinkage in cylinder tests. However, these differences did not significantly impact full-scale behavior, such as camber or pre-stress loss. Both materials performed predictably within AASHTO standards. The conclusion drawn was that SCC can be implemented without restrictions in pre-stressed girder construction, with actual performance matching predicted outcomes, negating concerns over its use compared to traditional vibrated concrete.

Keywords

self-consolidating concrete

pre-stressed bridge girders

Alabama

vibrated concrete

AASHTO standards