Field and laboratory performance of prestressed high performance concrete girders for Missouri bridge structures

The first fully high performance concrete (HPC) bridge A6130 was constructed in Missouri utilizing concrete with 56 day design strength of 70 MPa (10,152 psi) and 15.2 mm (0.6 in.) diameter prestressing strands. HPC materials for both girders and cast-in-place deck were studied for both mechanical and material properties.; The completed bridge was instrumented to measure temperature and strain variations. This was combined with deformation measurements to determine the bridge response to temperature changes, dead load, live load, creep, and shrinkage. Measured thermal behavior, strain behavior, prestress losses, camber and deflection were investigated by comparing to theoretical estimate at both early-age and later-age. Modified theoretical methods based on the test results were recommended. In addition, a live load test was completed for the bridge to investigate the load transfer, structure behavior due to live load, and the continuity level of the MoDOT interior bent detail.; MoDOT girder cross sections were investigated to identify the limitations of the sections relative to the use of high-strength concrete in simple span structures and to examine the feasibility of modified cross sections that can be used to take advantage of higher strength concrete that are currently available.; Construction related issues for HPC Bridges were documented to provide a reference for future HPC bridges. The summary, conclusions and recommendations were given for HPC highway bridges in Missouri and for general HPC structures in the United States considering design, fabrication, construction and the research program undertaken.