Technote: Design and Construction of Field-Cast UHPC Connections

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FHWA Contact:  Ben Graybeal, HRDI-40, 202-493-3122, benjamin.graybeal@dot.gov

Introduction

Advancements in the science of concrete materials have led to the development of a new class of cementitious composites called ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). UHPC exhibits mechanical and durability properties that make it ideal for use in new solutions to pressing concerns about highway-infrastructure deterioration, repair, and replacement.(1,2) The use of field-cast UHPC details that connect prefabricated structural elements in bridge construction has captured the attention of bridge owners, specifiers, and contractors across the country. These connections can be simpler to construct and can provide more robust long-term performance than connections constructed through conventional methods.(3) This document provides guidance on the design and deployment of field-cast UHPC connections.