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Mitigating Cracking in Concrete Infrastructure: A Material-Based Approach for Pavement and Bridge Durability
This project investigates how lightweight aggregates (LWAs) can reduce early-age shrinkage and cracking in concrete pavements and bridge decks—issues that significantly compromise durability, increase maintenance needs, and shorten the service life of California’s transportation infrastructure. The study evaluates concrete mixtures containing various LWAs to determine their effectiveness in providing internal curing, minimizing volume change, and reducing crack formation. Laboratory testing will measure shrinkage, cracking behavior, and mechanical performance, while service-life modeling tools will estimate long-term durability benefits. The findings will offer practical guidance for implementing LWA-based concrete mixtures, supporting more resilient, cost‑effective, and longer‑lasting transportation infrastructure across the state.
University:
Mineta Consortium for Transportation Mobility
Principal Investigator:
Fariborz M Tehrani
PI Contact Information:
California State University Fresno
Dates:
January 2026 to March 2027
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
This research will generate new knowledge and practical tools for improving the durability of concrete pavements and bridge decks by incorporating lightweight aggregates (LWAs). It will produce new laboratory data on shrinkage, cracking behavior, and long‑term performance of LWA‑enhanced concrete mixtures, along with refined testing procedures adapted from ASTM standards. The project will also develop service‑life prediction models and customized computational codes to assess durability improvements, creating analytical tools that can support future design and maintenance decisions. In addition, the study will deliver practical guidelines for selecting and proportioning LWAs, as well as recommendations for field implementation. Together, these outputs will contribute new methods, datasets, and decision-support resources for advancing resilient, cost‑effective transportation infrastructure.
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:
This research is expected to positively influence California’s transportation system by improving the long‑term durability and performance of concrete pavements and bridge decks through the use of lightweight aggregates (LWAs). By reducing early‑age shrinkage and cracking—key contributors to premature deterioration—the project’s findings can lead to longer-lasting infrastructure with fewer maintenance interventions and reduced life‑cycle costs. The new laboratory data, service‑life modeling outputs, and practical guidelines developed through the study provide transportation agencies with actionable methods for selecting and implementing LWA‑enhanced concrete mixtures. As a result, agencies may adopt improved mix designs and internal curing practices that enhance structural reliability and reduce the risk of moisture‑related damage. These changes in practice have the potential to inform updates in materials specifications, rehabilitation strategies, and maintenance planning. Overall, the research supports a more resilient and cost‑effective transportation network by promoting materials and methods that enhance safety, reliability, and durability across critical infrastructure components.
Project Number:
2618
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Contact Us
San José State University One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192 Phone: 408-924-7560 Email: mineta-institute@sjsu.edu
