Crack detection technique for reinforced concrete bridge decks

Abstract

This study describes the instrumentation and test results of a reinforced concrete bridge deck constructed on 3-span continuous steel girders. The instrumented bridge is located in Evansville, West Virginia at the intersection of US Route 50 East and WV 92 South. An instrumentation system is developed and implemented specifically to measure and monitor the growth of cracks along the wheel path. The system consists of 30 crack-meters embedded in concrete over the bottom layer of the reinforcement. The crack-meter readings are automatically collected every 20 minutes together with the readings from other sensors that were placed in concrete and on the steel girders to measure: (a) strain in concrete, (b) strain in longitudinal and transverse rebars, (c) temperature gradient through the deck thickness, (d) the bending moment in the steel girders, (e) the overall contraction and expansion of concrete deck, (f) the deflection of the steel girders and (g) the opening of the joint between the concrete deck and the approach slab. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).