{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.019558676028084254, 'fraction_numerical': 0.0, 'mean_word_length': 5.584158415841584, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Design and Performance of Self-Consolidating Concrete for Connecting Precast Concrete Deck Panels and Bridge I-Girders

Existing full-depth precast concrete deck systems use either open channels or pockets to accommodate the shear connectors of supporting girders for achieving composite systems. The use of open channels or pockets requires cast-in-place concrete/grout to fill these channels/pockets and deck overlay to cover the exposed surface. These operations negatively affect the quality of precast concrete decks and their speed of construction, which are the expected benefits of using precast concrete deck systems. Recent developments in full-depth precast concrete deck systems include using covered individual pockets at large spacing to simplify construction and eliminate the need for deck overlays to cover exposed surfaces. This requires flowable concrete/gout to completely fill deck pockets and gaps between the precast concrete deck panels and bridge girders (i.e. haunches). The high cost of commercial grouts and their strict requirements of surface preparation and application procedures reduce the constructability and cost effectiveness of precast concrete deck systems. The objective of this project is to investigate the constructability of using self-consolidating concrete (SCC) to fill the gap between precast concrete deck panels and bridge girders as well as covered deck pockets. This includes developing SCC mixture(s) with specific requirements in terms of flowability, passing ability, stability, workability retention, and pumpability and evaluating the performance of these novel construction materials in small–scale and full-scale specimens. Sequence of pouring/pumping SCC as well as its quality control and quality assurance procedures are also determined. This experimental investigation is crucial for the success of the new generation of full-depth precast concrete deck systems and improving its competitiveness against cast-in-place deck systems.