SOLUTION

Due to their extensive experience studying early-age cracking, several experts at WJE were retained by Caltrans to evaluate the state's current practices, specifications, and conditions and to recommend methods for preventing early-age deck cracking on the state's roadways.   To begin, WJE's experts reviewed prior research and learned how other state departments of transportation had developed approaches to mitigate cracking. Next, WJE collected a wealth of data using specialized instruments including strain gages, thermocouples, relative humidity gages, a weather station, and strain and temperature sensors. Concrete samples were also collected and sent to WJE laboratories for tests to determine shrinkage, modulus of elasticity, thermal expansion, creep, slump, and compressive strength.   After developing various analytical models of bridge decks, the WJE project team was able to make several recommendations to Caltrans, including reducing the cementitious material content of the concrete, casting decks later in the day and at cooler temperatures, building single-span bridges, and reducing span lengths when possible. By taking these steps when designing and constructing California's roadways, Caltrans will be able to reduce the occurrence of early-age cracking and its hazardous effects.