| The remarkable features of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) have been reported. Its application in bridge construction has been an active research area in recent years, attributed to its higher compressive strength, higher ductility and reduced permeability when compared with conventional concrete and even high-strength concrete. Those characteristics are known to increase bridge durability and, consequently, decrease life-cycle maintenance costs.;With that in mind, this study investigated the performance of UHPC stay-in-place (SIP) bridge deck panels subjected to high loads in both flexure and shear. The test matrix consisted of twelve (12) half-scale panels that were 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. The variable parameters that were studied included thickness (i.e., 2-in. and 3-in.) as well as non-discrete reinforcement type, including conventional mild reinforcement, welded wire mesh and no reinforcement (UHPC only). Control deck panels with conventional concrete (CC) were fabricated and tested to serve as a baseline for comparison. The results indicated that the UHPC panels had an improved performance compared to the conventional concrete panels. With respect to the panels tested in high shear loads, only the CC panel test resulted in a diagonal tension failure mode (i.e. traditional shear type failure). All of the other UHPC panels failed in flexure suggesting that the UHPC provided a high shear capacity. The results also showed a good correlation with selected empirical models.;A cost study was also investigated. It was concluded that, even with the high difference between the prices per cubic yard of both concretes, the difference can be significantly lower when compared with the prices per ultimate load capacity. |
