Application of ECC for bridge deck link slabs

In this article, the application of ECC in a bridge deck link slab is described. The unique ultra high tensile ductility and tight crack width of self-consolidating ECC is exploited in this application to improve bridge deck constructability, durability, and sustainability. Design guidelines and material specifications were developed for implementation of this ECC link slab technology. A construction project implementing these guidelines and specifications was conducted in 2005 on an ECC-concrete bridge deck in southeast Michigan, USA. This article summarizes the experience of this project.