May 20, 2015 | Eli Freund - School of Engineering

In the News: Department of Homeland Security Features UConn’s Concrete Research

Some concrete results from UConn researchers

Michael Neumann, The Stuart and Joan Sidney Professor of Mathematics. Photos by Daniel Buttrey

UConn Engineering researchers Arash Zaghi, Kay Wille and Kevin Zmetra have been working on the potential of ultra-high strength concrete for structure repair. The Department of Homeland Security, which awarded Zmetra a Security Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate Career Development Grant, features their work on its news website. From the article:

The method uses UHSC to repair corroded steel girders, which are the beams that support the bridge. The damage is caused by years of exposure to water and de-icing road salt commonly used during winter. Thus far, test results show this novel repair method has some real advantages:

  • Girders repaired with UHSC are 25 percent stronger than they were before they were damaged.

  • Minimal surface preparation (e.g., sanding, lead abatement) is required, which saves time.

  • Jacking the entire bridge structure, which typically accounts for 70 percent of project costs, is not required.

  • The need for road or lane closures is significantly reduced because the bridge can be repaired while it’s in service.

Read the full article here.