Self-consolidating concrete for precast, prestressed concrete bridge elements

The following thesis presents the results of four full scale beams tests as part of a research program conducted at McGill University. The purpose is to study the applicability of existing design provisions, in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) specifications, for the use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) in precast pretensioned bridge girders.;This research project demonstrated that the shear failure of the girders exceeded the predicted nominal shear resistance given by the 2004 AASHTO Specifications. The experimental flexural resistance also exceeded the predicted nominal resistance.;The test specimens had an overall length of 31 ft (9.4m) with a center-to-center span of 29 ft (8.8m). They were cast in four batches with different concrete attributes: two non air-entrained SCC mixtures and two high-performance concretes. For each type, compressive strengths of 8,000 and 10,000 psi (55.2 and 69 MPa) with release strengths of 5,000 and 6,250 psi (34.5 and 43 MPa) at 18 hours, respectively, were tested. Each girder was prestressed with eight Grade 270 seven-wire low-relaxation prestressing strands of 0.6 in (15.2 mm) diameter. Six of the strands were straight and two were harped twice, 4’-11” (1.5 m) from mid-span. The specimens were supported on neoprene bearing pads at their ends, and were tested with two equal point loads located 4’-11” (1.5 m) from mid-span.