Ductile Strip for Durability Enhancement of Concrete Slabs

The ACE-MRL is currently focusing on research in durability enhancement of concrete bridge decks. This project investigates the use of the high deformability of ECC, in the form of “plastic hinge” or link slabs, to absorb deformation imposed by temperature and/or shrinkage of the concrete in jointless bridge decks.

 

Failure Modes for Bridge Deck
ECC plastic hinge joining deck blocks
Topview
Loading curve shows high ductility of the ECC joint