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Title: Using GFRP Reinforcing as a cost effective solution to extending the service life of bridge decks: A case study of the Kansas Department of Transportation I-635 Bridges over State Ave in Kansas City, KS

Author(s): R. Koch and J. Karst

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 304

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 53-64

Keywords: bridge decks; case study; glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP)

DOI: 10.14359/51688554

Date: 10/27/2015

Abstract:
With constrained transportation budgets there is a great need to increase the service life of bridges. Typically the deck is the weak link in the durability of a bridge with the corrosion of the reinforcing being the primary deterioration mechanism. Using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) to replace the traditional steel reinforcing eliminates reinforcing-related corrosion and should significantly increase the service life of the deck. The I-635 Bridges over State Ave in Kansas City, KS were built in the late 60’s and had an extensive history of repairs and overlays. In 2013 KDOT decided to replace the decks with traditional epoxy coated steel in the northbound bridge and GFRP reinforcing in the southbound bridge. There was a small premium to use GFRP rebar over traditional steel reinforcing which is expected to be offset by an increase in the service life of the deck. A picture of the reinforcing for the new bridge deck is shown in Figure 1.