Slag cement contributed to functional and aesthetic requirements on the Dublin Link pedestrian bridge.
The Scioto River divides the growing city of Dublin, Ohio, so in 2017 the city announced a plan to build a bridge dedicated to pedestrian traffic and cyclists. Planners wanted the new bridge to be a compelling part of the pedestrian experience, so it was designed as a sculptural suspension bridge that passes through—but is not supported by—a needle-shaped concrete pylon.
Opened in March 2020, the 760-ft-long “Dublin Link,” as it is known, is constructed with a steel superstructure that follows an S-curve across the river—a shape that is necessary to connect the designated landing areas on the east and west banks. The concrete bridge tower is 169 feet tall and the steel box girder with concrete deck is 14 feet wide. The Dublin Link is the only single-tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world and therefore required several unique engineering solutions.
Slag cement was used in all of the project’s concrete mixtures to meet permeability requirements. Because slag cement reduces early heat of hydration, it was also suitable for the mass concrete application of the pylon. A 6000 psi (41 MPa) self consolidating concrete mixture—containing 730 pounds (330 kg) cementitious material with 65 percent slag cement—was used in the pylon because of its geometry and the density of its reinforcing. The mass concrete almost always made full strength in seven days and never later than 28 days. Concrete flow tests averaged 26 inches (660 mm) and a viscosity modifier was used for mixture stability. Four concrete support piers located along the length of the bridge used 4000 psi (28 MPa) concrete.
Concrete finishes are an important part of the bridge’s aesthetics. The light color achieved by using slag cement creates an attractive surface on exposed portions of the concrete.
Project Team:
Owner: City of Dublin, Ohio
Construction Manager-General Contractor: Kokosing Construction Company
Architect: Endrestudio
Engineer: T.Y. Lin International (TYLI)
Concrete: Anderson Concrete
Slag Cement: Skyway Cement Company
