Repair and prevention of damage due to transverse shrinkage cracks in bridge decks

Transverse shrinkage cracking of bridge decks occurs during and shortly after construction. It allows cracks to form and later allows water and other elements to enter the concrete matrix of the deck and most importantly to fall onto the supporting structure below. This leads to significantly damage of that support structure. This paper describes a field application of the design for an in-situ means of controlling and repairing transverse shrinkage cracking, by utilizing brittle tubes with sealants in the concrete deck.