New high-performance concrete will strengthen state bridges

A research initiative headed by Purdue University has allowed for the creation of a new high-performance concrete.

The new concrete will be used in the construction of state bridges, improving the sustainability of the decks.

“This material will reduce maintenance costs and allow bridge decks to last longer,” said professor of civil engineering and director of Purdue’s Pankow Materials Laboratory Jason Weiss in a press release.  “Our testing indicates that internally cured high-performance concrete experiences substantially less cracking and concrete damage caused by deicing salt and, when properly designed, the service life of bridge decks can be greatly extended.”

The Joint Transportation Research Program worked with INDOT and Weiss to create the new concrete.

Concrete is usually formulated by combining portland cement with water, sand and stone.
The new concrete will be used on four bridge projects this year, according to the release.

“We anticipate these relatively minor changes to our concrete specifications to substantially extend the life of our bridges,” said Troy Woodruff, INDOT chief of staff, in the release.  

— Michael Majchrowicz