Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair

Roger Chen

Committee Member

Yoojung Yoon

Committee Member

Robert Tennant

Abstract

This study evaluates whether the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) Class B concrete specification for bridge substructures remains adequate under modern durability and design-life expectations. The current specification, which permits a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 psi, reflects practices established when shorter service lives were generally assumed. Modern AASHTO LRFD provisions are based on a 75-year design life, raising concern that this lower-strength concrete may not provide sufficient durability under West Virginia’s climatic conditions.

To address this issue, bridge inspection data, regional climate mapping, and durability modeling were used to assess the condition and performance of concrete substructures across the state. Inspection records indicate that many aging substructures exhibit noticeable deterioration, including scaling, cracking, and section loss consistent with freeze–thaw distress. Much of West Virginia lies within a high freeze–thaw exposure region, where repeated freezing and thawing combined with high moisture levels accelerate deterioration. Durability simulations using the Conclife model showed that concretes with higher water–cement ratios deteriorate more rapidly and reach critical damage levels sooner than higher-strength alternatives. These results collectively suggest that the current specification does not provide adequate resistance to long-term freeze–thaw damage in exposed substructure elements.

Based on these findings, the study recommends increasing the specified compressive strength for exposed substructure concrete to 4,000 psi while maintaining a 0.43 water–cement ratio and enforcing consistent quality control during construction. These measures would align WVDOH practice with modern service-life standards, reduce premature deterioration, and improve the long-term reliability and sustainability of bridge infrastructure across the state.

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