Study on the bending deformation properties of microcracked R-ECC road–bridge link slabs
Abstract A novel road-bridge link slab utilizing rubberized engineered cementitious composites (R-ECC) has been proposed for fully jointless bridges (FJBs). Preliminary research has shown that R-ECC road-bridge link slabs possess superior deformation absorption capacity, tensile strength, and crack...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-99947-0 |
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| Summary: | Abstract A novel road-bridge link slab utilizing rubberized engineered cementitious composites (R-ECC) has been proposed for fully jointless bridges (FJBs). Preliminary research has shown that R-ECC road-bridge link slabs possess superior deformation absorption capacity, tensile strength, and crack control capabilities. However, micro-cracks developed on the surface of these slabs due to seasonal temperature fluctuations. While R-ECCs demonstrate improved bending ability compared to conventional ECCs, they exhibit lower compressive strength. Further research is necessary to investigate the crack development and bending deflection of microcracked R-ECC road-bridge link slabs under vehicle loads, which will help determine the suitability of R-ECCs for this application. The microcracked R-ECC slab has a great crack control capacity, and the rebound deflection measured in the experiment is less than the allowable value, indicating that the microcracked R-ECC slab meets the durability and strength standard. A sensitivity parameter finite element analysis was conducted considering the effects of slab thickness and equivalent elasticity modulus of the foundation on the R-ECC road-bridge link slab. Two evaluation indexes ‘C t ’ and ‘C e ’ are proposed to evaluate the performance and construction cost of the R-ECC slab. To improve performance and minimize construction costs, a design thickness of 180 mm and an equivalent elasticity modulus of the foundation of 800 MPa were recommended for the R-ECC road-bridge link slab. |
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| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |