DAVAO CITY BYPASS CONSTRUCTION

Supplemental Methodology for Superstructure Construction of Overpass

Bridge -1.

Crack Prevention Methodology

I. Introduction

Cracking in concrete of Voided Slab Bridge can be the result of a wide range of
causes e.g. externally applied load, poor design or detailing, errors in
construction, volume changes due to physical and chemical reactions, thermal
stresses, corrosion of reinforcement, and many others. It is obvious from this
comprehensive list of possible causes that complete elimination of cracks in
concrete is generally impossible and moreover, it is against the basic principles
of the material itself. On the other hand, it does not imply that the crack
formation in concrete structures can be overlooked completely. In the porous
system of concrete, transport of ions, moisture and gas can lead to a serious
formation of corrosion in the reinforcement which might lead to degradation of
Bridge Structural integrity.

There are two methods in dealing with concrete cracks:

a. Crack Prevention
b. Crack Repair
II. Crack Prevention Method

This prevention relates to an anti-crack method for a concrete protecting layer

which includes the provision of adequate temperature and shrinkage
reinforcement and for Post-Tensioning Bridge Structure it is a must to provide
bursting reinforcement at stressing point of concrete to prevent spalling and
cracking during the prestress transfer. In addition, the compression force of
Post-Tensioning help to prevent or even eliminates cracks that were already
formed before the application of prestressing.

Another critical stage in preventing formation of cracks is the curing method of

concrete, wherein we apply curing compound. This is a liquid membrane-
forming compound that reduces moisture loss in the early hardening period
when applied to fresh concrete. A curing compound helps retain moisture in the
concrete, resulting in improved hydration which reduces or eliminates the
formation of shrinkage cracks.
Following the application, for the first seven days concrete need to hose it down
frequently with water, five to 10 times per day depending on weather condition.

III. Crack Repair Method

The important factor that we must achieved in repairing cracks is to seal

concrete to avoid water penetration inside. We use Epoxy compound which has
very good compressive, tensile and bond properties. Cracks as narrow as 0.05
mm can be bonded by the injections of epoxy. The repair process by this
method is as follow:

a) Clean the cracks

The very first step is to clean the cracks that have Contaminants such as
oil, grease, dirt or fine particles. Because such contaminants prevent epoxy
penetration in the cracks to be repaired. For this reason cleaning is required.

b) Sealing of the surfaces

Surface cracks should be sealed. It is used to keep the epoxy from
leaking out before it has gelled. This can be done by applying an epoxy,
polyester or other appropriate sealing material to the surface of the crack and
allowing it to harden.

c) Install the entry and venting ports

When the cracks are v-grooved, drill holes are made in the groove of
about 20mm diameter below the apex of the v-grooved section. Fittings such as
pipe nipples are inserted in to the holes. But when the cracks are not v-grooved,
an entry port is to be bond a fitting flush with the concrete face over the crack.
d) Mixing of epoxy
It is done either by batch or continuous methods. In batch mixing, the
adhesive components are premixed according to the manufacturer’s
instructions, usually with the use of mechanical stirrer, like a paint mixing
paddle. In the continuous method, the two liquid adhesive components pass
through metering and driving pumps prior to passing through an automatic
mixing head.