Feasibility of using Fibre-Reinforced Cement Composites (FRCC) as pavement for steel decks

Fibre-Reinforced Cement Composites (FRCC) are cementitious materials enhanced with fibres to achieve high ductility. This research analyzed two mixtures of FRCC with polypropylene fibres: a reference (FRCCREF) and another incorporating rice husk ash (FRCCRHA), as pavement on steel bridge decks. Mechanical strength, elastic modulus, free and drying shrinkage, superficial pavement condition and adhesion between steel and composites were evaluated. Additionally, two small-scale experimental models were built to investigate the shrinkage deformations. Results indicated that incorporating rice husk ash into FRCC increased compressive and flexural tensile strength, while leading to unique cracking behaviour. Adhesion between steel and FRCC was effective for smooth and rough steel surfaces. The deformation analyses of experimental models showed the influence of environmental conditions on the shrinkage results. Overall, FRCC mixtures proved suitable for steel deck pavements when epoxy resin was used to ensure proper bonding, though vehicle traffic loading was not addressed in this study.