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Ductile Strip for Durability Enhancement of Concrete Slabs

The ACE-MRL is currently focusing on research in durability enhancement of concrete bridge decks. This project investigates the use of the high deformability of ECC, in the form of "plastic hinge" or link slabs, to absorb deformation imposed by temperature and/or shrinkage of the concrete in jointless bridge decks.

Failure Modes fo Bridge Deck

Topview

ECC Plastic Hinge Joining Deck Blocks

Multiple-cracking

Loading curve shows high ductility of the ECC joint