journal article·2026-01-23Open access

Study on the causes of cracks in a reinforced concrete highway bridge

Hongna Lu, Can Du, Qiumei Liu, Ruwei Shen, Lin Xing, Jingfu Yang, Anheng Xie

Abstract

Abstract Cracking in reinforced concrete highway bridges (RCHB) poses a serious threat to both structural and traffic safety. Identifying the causes of cracks is an important basis for determining subsequent treatment plans. To ascertain the causes of cracks in a reinforced concrete highway bridge, firstly, an on-site survey was conducted, including drilling concrete core samples and deploying measuring points to monitor the bridge’s settlement and crack changes. Secondly, the strength and alkali-silica reaction (ASR) of the collected concrete samples were experimentally studied, and micro-morphology and composition analysis of the samples were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Finally, based on the crack phenomena observed in the bridge’s main structure, the causes of the cracks were analyzed using experimental data and microstructure observations. Combining the results of on-site monitoring and indoor tests, it was concluded that uneven settlement and low concrete strength were the primary causes of bridge cracking, while the impact of ASR could be neglected.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Concrete Corrosion and Durability · Concrete Properties and Behavior · Concrete and Cement Materials Research

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

College of Civil Engineering , Guizhou Institute of Technology , Guiyang , 550003 , China

Funding

Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Foundation · Guizhou Institute of Technology High-Level Talent ResearchStart-Up Funding Project · Young Researcher Program of the Science and Technology Foundation of Guizhou Province · Natural Science Research Project of Colleges andUniversities of Guizhou Provincial Department of Education

References (47)

Show source-provided references
1. Karthik, MM, Mander, JB, Hurlebaus, S. Alkali–silica reaction, delayed ettringite formation and corrosion effects on a bridge pier. Proc Inst Civ Eng Bridge Eng 2022;175:35–49. https://doi.org/10.1680/jbren.20.00031.10.1680/jbren.20.00031 ↗
2. Alrousan, RZ, BaR, A. The behavior of alkali-silica reaction-damaged full-scale concrete bridge deck slabs reinforced with CFRP bars. Results Eng 2022;16:100651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2022.100651.10.1016/j.rineng.2022.100651 ↗
3. Glinicki, MA, Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka, D, Antolik, A, Dziedzic, K, Dąbrowski, M, Bogusz, K. Diagnosis of ASR damage in highway pavement after 15 years of service in wet-freeze climate region. Case Stud Constr Mater 2022;17:e01226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01226.10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01226 ↗
4. Kongshaug, SS, Larssen, RM, Hendriks, MAN, Kanstad, T, Markeset, G. Load effects in reinforced concrete beam bridges affected by alkali–silica reaction – constitutive modelling including expansion, cracking, creep and crushing. Eng Struct 2021;245:112945. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112945.10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112945 ↗
5. Barbosa, RA, Hansen, SG, Hansen, KK, Hoang, LC, Grelk, B. Influence of alkali-silica reaction and crack orientation on the uniaxial compressive strength of concrete cores from slab bridges. Constr Build Mater 2018;176:440–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.03.096.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.03.096 ↗
6. Niu, DT, Yang, DZ, Luo, DM. Durability assessment method of existing concrete structures. Build Struct 2021;51:115–21. https://doi.org/10.19701/j.jzig.2021.17.017.
7. Gao, P, Wang, YB, Xue, G, Qin, YY, Gu, YH. Mitigation effect of waste rubber powder and silica fume on alkali-silica reaction. J Build Mater 2023;26:429-36. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1007-9629.2023.04.013.
8. Gao, P, Qin, YY, Xue, G, Wang, YB, Gu, YH. Evaluation of the applicability of rapid mortar bar method for the determination of aggregate alkali activity. J Inn Mong Univ Sci Technol 2023;42:98–102. https://doi.org/10.16559/j.cnki.2095-2295.2023.01.018.
9. Ferreira, RAR, Perin, LM, Costa, EBC, Santos, AC. Microstructural analysis of concrete ties with granite and carbonate aggregates after 10 years on Brazil railroads. Eng Fail Anal 2023;152:107429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2023.107429.10.1016/j.engfailanal.2023.107429 ↗
10. Lacombe, C, Vidal, T, Sellier, A, Noret, C, Anthiniac, P. Creep of concrete during alkali-aggregates reaction. Constr Build Mater 2022;336:127355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127355.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127355 ↗
11. Pan, JW, Wang, WJ, Wang, JM, Bai, Y, Wang, JT. Influence of coarse aggregate size on deterioration of concrete affected by alkali-aggregate reaction. Constr Build Mater 2022;329:127228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127228.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127228 ↗
12. Fanijo, EO, Kolawole, JT, Almakrab, A. Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete structures: mechanisms, effects and evaluation test methods adopted in the United States. Case Stud Constr Mater 2021;15:e00563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2021.e00563.10.1016/j.cscm.2021.e00563 ↗
13. Aslani, F, Yu, J, Zhang, Y, Valizadeh, A. Development of prediction models for evaluation of alkali-silica reaction in concrete. Case Stud Constr Mater 2023;19:e02465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02465.10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02465 ↗
14. Soterio, AD, Zaccaron, A, Inocente, JM, Simão, L, Helene, P, Montedo, ORK, et al.. Study of the mechanism of inhibiting alkali-aggregate reaction and self-healing in concrete materials. Eng Fail Anal 2023;152:107524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2023.107524.10.1016/j.engfailanal.2023.107524 ↗
15. Allahyari, H, Heidarpour, A, Shayan, A. Experimental and analytical studies of bacterial self-healing concrete subjected to alkali-silica-reaction. Constr Build Mater 2021;310:125149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125149.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125149 ↗
16. Nettis, A, Di Mucci, VM, Ruggieri, S, Raffaele, D, Uva, G. Seismic fragility analysis of isolated bridges considering landslide-induced differential settlements. Procedia Struct Integr 2024;62:693–700. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prostr.2024.09.096.10.1016/j.prostr.2024.09.096 ↗
17. Chen, ZW, Zhang, MQ, Wang, L, Chen, ZH, Zhu, SY. Reliability of super-slope rack railway under bridge pier settlement. Eng Struct 2023;294:116751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.116751.10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.116751 ↗
18. Abdu, DM, Wei, G, Yang, W. Assessment of railway bridge pier settlement based on train acceleration response using machine learning algorithms. Structures 2023;52:598–608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2023.03.167.10.1016/j.istruc.2023.03.167 ↗
19. Feng, YL, Hou, Y, Jiang, LZ, Zhou, WB, Li, HY, Yu, J. Failure mode of interlayer connection of longitudinally-connected ballastless track-bridge system under uneven pier settlement. Constr Build Mater 2022;351:128805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128805.10.2139/ssrn.4105311 ↗
20. Chen, ZW, Fang, H. Influence of pier settlement on contact behavior between CRTS II track and bridge in high-speed railways. Eng Struct 2021;235:112007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112007.10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112007 ↗
21. Kong, XX, Hucks, RG. Preserving our heritage: a photogrammetry-based digital twin framework for monitoring deteriorations of historic structures. Autom ConStruct 2023;152:104928. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2023.104928.10.1016/j.autcon.2023.104928 ↗
22. Zoubir, H, Rguig, M, El Aroussi, M, Saadane, R, Chehri, A. Pixel-level concrete bridge crack detection using convolutional neural networks, gabor filters, and attention mechanisms. Eng Struct 2024;314:118343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.118343.10.1016/j.engstruct.2024.118343 ↗
23. Jing, YX, Zhong, JX, Sheil, B, Acikgoz, S. Anomaly detection of cracks in synthetic masonry arch bridge point clouds using fast point feature histograms and PatchCore. Autom ConStruct 2024;168:105766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2024.105766.10.1016/j.autcon.2024.105766 ↗
24. Sundaram, A, Aravindan, M, Voggu, S, Parivallal, S, Padmanaban, P. A novel retrofitting strategy for restoring railway masonry arch bridge undergoing failure by settlement due to scouring. Eng Fail Anal. 2023;154:107694. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2023.107694.10.1016/j.engfailanal.2023.107694 ↗
25. Saha, S, Karmakar, S. Failure mode and response of a typical RC straight and skew highway girder bridge under the blast, wrapped with and without a non-Explosive reactive armour using FEM-SPH coupling. Eng Fail Anal 2024;161:108330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2024.108330.10.1016/j.engfailanal.2024.108330 ↗
26. Yang, ZN, Lu, ZH, Li, CQ, Liu, XG, Song, XY. Effect of grouting quality on flexural behavior of corroded post-tensioned concrete T-beams. Case Stud Constr Mater 2024;21:e03766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2024.e03766.10.1016/j.cscm.2024.e03766 ↗
27. Standard of China. JTG 3362-2018. Specifications for design of highway reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete bridges and culverts. Beijing: China Communications Press Co.,Ltd.; 2018.
28. Standard of China. GB 50010-2010. Code for design of concrete structures. Beijing: China Architecture & Buliding Press; 2015.
29. ACI Committee. Building code requirements for structural concrete ACI 318 08 and commentary. American Concrete Institute; 2008:80 p.
30. Standardization, European Committee for Design of Concrete Structures. Part 1: general rules and rules for buildings. Eurocode; 1992, vol 2.
31. Feng, Q, Wu, XG. Effect of crack statistical parameters of PC bridge on structure. J Highw Transp Res Dev. 2017;34:5. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1002-0268.2017.02.014.
32. Standard of China. JGJ 8-2016. Code for deformation measurement of building and structure. Beijing: China Architecture & Buliding Press; 2016.
33. Standard of China. GB 50026-2020. Standard for engineering surveying. Beijing: China Planning Press; 2020.
34. Standard of China. JGJ/T 384-2016. Technical specification for testing concrete strength with drilled core method. Beijing: China Architecture & Buliding Press; 2016.
35. Standard of China. GB/T 50081-2019. Standard for test methods of concrete physical and mechanical properties. Beijing: China Architecture & Buliding Press; 2019.
36. Oberholster, RE, Davies, G. An accelerated method for testing the potential alkali reactivity of siliceous aggregates. Cement Concr Res 1986;16:181–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/0008-8846(86)90134-1.10.1016/0008-8846(86)90134-1 ↗
37. Standard of China. GB/T14684-2022. Sand for construction. Beijing: Standards press of china; 2022.
38. Offei, I, Guo, A, Sun, Z, Qi, C, Sathitsuksanoh, N. Preventing ASR-induced deteriorations with hydrophobic aggregates- a feasibility study. Constr Build Mater 2023;394:132277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132277.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132277 ↗
39. De Souza, DJ, Sanchez, LFM, Biparva, A. Influence of engineered self-healing systems on ASR damage development in concrete. Cement Concr Compos 2024;147:105440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2024.105440.10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2024.105440 ↗
40. You, I, Seo, S, Kim, M, Lee, S-J, Lee, N, Lee, Y, et al.. ASR potential of alkali-activated soda-lime glass powder in the absence of calcium sources. Cement Concr Compos 2023;139:105027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.105027.10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.105027 ↗
41. Standard of China. JTG 3432-2024. Test methods of aggregate for highway engineering. Beijing: China Communications Press Co.,Ltd.; 2005.
42. Standard of China. GB/T14685-2022. Pebble and crushed stone for construction Beijing: Standards press of china; 2022.
43. Pan, ZL, Bai, YT, Montilla, SK, Picón, RA, Brant, CAC, López, JF. Thermodynamic model of life-cycle deterioration of seismic resistance for complex RC structures by coupling corrosion and cracking damage. J Build Eng 2024;86:108918. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.108918.10.1016/j.jobe.2024.108918 ↗
44. Tong, T, Yuan, SQ, Zhuo, WD, He, ZQ, Liu, Z. Seismic retrofitting of rectangular bridge piers using ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete jackets. Compos Struct 2019;228:111367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.111367.10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.111367 ↗
45. Campos, A, López, CM, Blanco, A, Aguado, A. Effects of an internal sulfate attack and an alkali-aggregate reaction in a concrete dam. Constr Build Mater 2018;166:668–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.01.180.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.01.180 ↗
46. Su, HZ, Yang, LF. Progress in the research on the mechanism and influence of alkali-silicic acid reaction failure in concrete. Building Structure 2022;53:1383–96. https://doi.org/10.13243/j.cnki.slxb.20220009.
47. Ichikawa, T, Miura, M. Modified model of alkali-silica reaction. Cement Concr Res 2007;37:1291–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2007.06.008.10.1016/j.cemconres.2007.06.008 ↗