The results demonstrate that the novel field-cast UHPC
connection details are capable of meeting critical design,
construction, and response requirements. The connections
withstood loads greater than those required by AASHTO
LRFD specifications while equalling or surpassing the
performance of conventional connection details.
Compared with conventional construction, connections
designed with these details are simple to fabricate and assemble
using technologies and materials already available
in the United States bridge market. Deck panels and other
bridge deck elements can be fabricated without resorting
to the complex forming techniques that can be necessitated
by conventional connection details. No clustering of girder
and deck connectors is necessary, and the aesthetic and durability
problems commonly cited with regard to full-depth
composite connector blockouts are eliminated