(Movie for ECC link slab test)
Following figure shows a schematic of a bridge deck link-slab retrofit, to be conducted in the summer of 2005 in the state of Michigan in the US. This demonstration project involves the replacement of a conventional expansion joint by an ECC link-slab designed to absorb all deformation imposed by shrinkage, temperature and live (traffic) loads. The concept (Kim et al, 2004) involves exploiting the tensile ductility of ECC so that the material is used into the tensile strain-hardening state during normal service conditions. The tight crack width and fatigue resistant features of ECC are employed to ensure durability.
