Mitigating Transverse Cracking in Concrete Bridge Decks (05-0031)**
Khossrow N/A Babaei, A. Morton Thomas & Associates, Inc.

Increased transverse cracking has been reported in newly constructed concrete bridge decks in recent years. This is a concern since cracks can cause bar corrosion and concrete deterioration, resulting in decreased service life. This paper presents a summary of the results of investigations conducted by Wilbur Smith Associates for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (1,2,3,4) to determine the cause of transverse cracking and methods to minimize transverse cracking. The results indicated that thermal shrinkage and drying shrinkage of concrete have a significant role in formation of transverse cracks. Accordingly, practical design and construction procedures were recommended to mitigate formations of transverse cracking in newly constructed bridge decks.