Final Thesis - MBTC 2069jpg■本文仅供学习和参考，请务必在下载后的24小时内删除.doc

CURING PRACTICES TO REDUCE PLASTIC SHRINKAGE IN CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS  CURING PRACTICES TO REDUCE PLASTIC SHRINKAGE IN CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science of Civil Engineering By Steven Wayne Peyton, B.S.C.E. University of Arkansas, 2000 December 2006 University of Arkansas  Abstract The large, exposed area of concrete bridge decks makes proper curing critical and difficult. Plastic shrinkage cracks are common in improperly cured bridge decks. The objective of this research was to identify curing regimens that successfully reduce plastic shrinkage cracking. This was accomplished by surveying Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department engineers to determine the current construction practices on Arkansas bridge decks, documenting the curing of five bridge decks under construction, and studying the effectiveness of curing regimens in the laboratory. The survey responses show inconsistencies in the interpretations of the construction specifications that were also evident in the field study. Delayed curing, high evaporation rate, and increased girder deflection increased the likelihood of cracking in the decks. Inconsistent application of curing materials caused increased cracking in the laboratory study. Removing impediments, such as tined finishes, to timely curing and clarifying curing specifications would reduce cracking in bridge decks I hereby authorize the University of Arkansas Libraries to duplicate this thesis when needed for research and/or scholarship. Agreed ___________________________________________ Steven Peyton  Acknowledgements I would like to thank my Masters Advisor, Dr. Micah Hale, for his support and direction of this research. I would also like to thank my Masters Committee; Dr. Robert Elliot, Dr. Kelvin Wang, and Dr. Ernie Heymsfield for their work and contributions to this thesis. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Arkansas