Crack control of precast deck loop joint using high strength concrete

Crack control of precast members is crucial for durability. However, there is no clear provision to check the crack width of precast joints. This study presents an experimental investigation of loop joint details for use in a precast bridge deck system. High strength concrete of 130 MPa was chosen for durability and closer joint spacing. Static tests were conducted to investigate the cracking and ultimate behavior of test specimens. The experimental results indicate that current design codes provide reasonable estimation of the flexural strength and cracking load of precast elements with loop joint of high strength concrete. However, the crack width control of the loop joints with high strength concrete by the current design practices was not appropriate. Some recommendations to improve crack control of the loop joint were derived.