Early cracking due to plastic shrinkage, drying shrinkage, and thermal shrinkage in

concrete
bridge decks can result in lower durability and, eventually, reduced structural
integrity. This research
investigated the effect of weather parameters in the state of Alabama on shrinkage
and identifies curing
requirement categories for bridge deck concrete based on evaporation rates
calculate using the
evaporation nomograph from ACI Committee 305. Also presented are relationships
between concrete
and ambient temperature, and results of an evaporation rate parameter sensitivity
analysis.
Curing categories are presented for different times of the year and describe the
methods needed
to ensure proper curing. The state was considered as one region and two distinct
seasonal categories
were developed. From the research performed it was determined that evaporation
rates are generally not
severe in Alabama if proper precautions are undertaken, but adverse conditions can
occur, particularly
during summer months and/or windy periods. The results of this research should be
helpful in
preforming testing of actual bridge decks, or in developing accurate models to
properly determine the
effects of weather parameters on shrinkage cracking and, therefore, identify proper
curing methods for