CE 3420 Concrete Technology, Jan.-Apr.

2016
ASSIGNMENT 3

Submitted by:
Vishal Ramesh
CE13B083

DESCRIPTION:
For your structure, give the curing and formwork removal instructions. How can such
a structure be checked finally before acceptance? What can the owner use as final
acceptance criteria? How long can such a structure be expected to last?

MILLAU VIADUCT

Source: http://www.e-architect.co.uk/images
CURING REQUIREMENTS
The Millau Viaduct makes use of high performance self-compacting concrete. When
compared to conventional concrete, this type of concrete has a lower water cement
ratio and a more compact microstructure resulting from the utilisation of mineral
admixtures. This leads to a lower value of pore per unit volume and the hydration
products fill up the voids much faster. The compact microstructure prevents bleed
water from coming up to the surface to replace the water lost by evaporation and so,
plastic shrinkage is a major problem in the case of HPSCC. To prevent this, curing
immediately after concrete placement is considered to be absolutely essential.
Wet curing cannot be started immediately after placement, as it would modify the
water-cement ratio near the concrete surface, thus affecting the durability. This calls
for a two-step procedure for the curing of HPSCC.
The initial curing phase is one in which water is not used directly. The objective of
this phase is primarily to prevent the loss of moisture from the fresh concrete till wet
curing can be started. Many studies report that covering the fresh surface with a
plastic sheet is effective in preventing water loss through evaporation.
Once the concrete has set, wet curing can be initiated. For this purpose, traditional
methods such as ponding water on the surface, covering the surface with wet burlap,
or continuously sprinkling water on the surface prove effective. Low impact steam
curing is also recommended, using heat during the early phase. Temperature affects

strength gain, which is faster at higher temperatures. Also, the finished surface colour
is found to be lighter at elevated temperatures.
The concrete needs to be cured for as long as possible, at least for three days.
However, seven days of curing is considered sufficient to prevent excessive
shrinkage.

WET BURLAP FOR CURING

Source:http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qVgnHDIZ3_w/S99y3JZM1rI/AAAAAAAABwM/tK
K9cocOD9k/s1600/P4301654.JPG
FORMWORK REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS
A self-climbing formwork system was used in the construction of the piers of the
Millau Viaduct. In this procedure, also called slip forming, the form is lifted
continuously depending on the degree of hardening. If because of high climbing speed
the concrete becomes exposed too early, it may stream down and deformation can
occur. On the other hand, if the formwork is left in place for too long, construction
joints can occur. Also, the formwork may stick to the concrete, demanding large
forces to overcome this adhesion, which in turn will deform the formwork.
In the slip form method, the formwork is lifted once concrete develops early setting.
The early setting time considered is that which allows the concrete to develop a
penetration resistance of 3.5 MPa, when the test is conducted in accordance with the
guidelines specified by KS F 2436 [9].

When removing the form, it must be supported such that it never relies on suction for
support. Any obstructions such as ferrule bolts, Z-bars etc. must be removed before
the form is climbed. Also, services like electrical cables must be designed such that
they do not rupture during climbing. Additionally, it is recommended that an
automated system be put in place that prevents the form from going out of level
during the climbing process.
TESTING AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Generally, bridges can be tested by loading them to simulate stresses on a typical busy
day. Instruments to measure deflection must be installed at critical locations along the
bridge, and the value of deflection can be taken as an acceptance criteria. The
deflection must be within permissible limits for serviceability. Post construction, the
Millau Viaduct was load tested with a total load of 920 tons.
DESIGN LIFE
Projects of such massive undertaking are usually designed to have a long life of about
a hundred years. The engineers of the Millau Viaduct designed it with a life
expectancy of 120 years, though evidence shows that bridges like these generally
survive well beyond their design life under normal conditions.

REFERENCES:
1.https://www.google.co.in/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjk2N
6LvJrMAhVFnJQKHQ1zDwgQFggbMAA&url=http%3A%2F
%2Fwww.safeworkaustralia.gov.au%2Fsites%2FSWA%2Fabout%2FPublications
%2FDocuments%2F866%2FGuide-slip-jump-travellingforms.docx&usg=AFQjCNHlGGXJjZQEypRG5nxozUnpqIESuQ&sig2=AmHf663_v
OxB-rn2lFhX3A&bvm=bv.119745492,d.dGo
2. http://file.scirp.org/pdf/ENG_2013080616080737.pdf
3. http://theconstructor.org/concrete/curing-of-high-performance-concrete/6095/
4. http://www.blueconcrete.com/curing-high-performance-concrete/
5. https://structurae.net/structures/millau-viaduct

6.http://mfile.narotama.ac.id/files/Civil%20Engineering/ICE%20Manual%20of
%20Bridge%20Engineering%20(2th%20Edition)/Manual%2013%20%20Cable
%20Stayed%20Bridges.pdf