High-Performance Concrete in the Richlands Bridge in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Transportation built a high-performance concrete (HPC) bridge in Richlands, Virginia. The beams had a minimum compressive strength of 69 MPa (10,000 psi) at 28 days; the large strands, 15 mm (0.6 in.) in diameter, were placed 51 mm (2 in.) apart. The deck concrete was designed to have a minimum compressive strength of 35 MPa (5,000 psi) and low permeability. A test program was initiated before construction to develop the HPC mixes. The development of the mixes and the construction and condition assessment of the bridge after two winters is described. The test program, field application, and inservice performance indicated that HPC concrete with high strength and low permeability can be produced using locally available material.