Title:
Solid RC Decks Strengthened with FRP
Author(s):
Tarek Alkhrdaji, Antonio Nanni, Genda Chen, and Michael Barker
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
21
Issue:
10
Appears on pages(s):
37-41
Keywords:
bridge decks; composite systems; fiber reinforced polymers; infrastructure repair; strengthening; testing
DOI:
Date:
10/1/1999
Abstract:
National growth and economic prosperity are closely related to the adequacy of the transportation infrastructure. Many bridges in the United States are made of reinforced concrete and were designed in accordance with older codes to accommodate lighter traffic loads than currently permitted. At present, many of these bridges are structurally and functionally deficient. A potential solution is the use of strengthening systems that utilize advanced composite materials (fiber reinforced polymers) in the form of external reinforcement. To provide the necessary field verification of design methods and failure modes and capacities, a research program was tailored to investigate the behavior of a full-scale bridge strengthened with FRP composite systems. The program included the testing to failure of the strengthened decks and the seismically upgraded piers.