Title:
Continuous CFRP Prestressed Concrete Bridges
Author(s):
Nabil F. Grace
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
21
Issue:
10
Appears on pages(s):
42-47
Keywords:
bridges; carbon fiber reinforced polymer; post-tensioning; prestressed concrete; tendons
DOI:
Date:
10/1/1999
Abstract:
Ongoing investigation at Lawrence Technological University (LTU), Southfield, Mich., examined the applicability of continuous externally draped carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons in multispan continuously prestressed concrete bridges. This paper addresses the research question: Is it feasible to drape and post-tension CFRP tendons from the sagging moment region (midspan, i.e., positive moment) to the hogging moment zone (intermediate support, i.e., negative moment) and back to the sagging moment region in multi-span continuous bridges? Two identical two-span bridge models are constructed and instrumented. This paper presents the design and construction details and some of the long-term test results obtained from monitoring the major structural components of Bridge Model CDT1.