Title: Serviceability of Beams Prestressed with Hybrid (Steel/ Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer) Tendons

Author(s): Adi Obeidah and Hani Nassif

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 119

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 179-190

Keywords: carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP); crack width; deflection; hybrid tendons; unbonded tendons.

DOI: 10.14359/51734437

Date: 5/1/2022

Abstract:
Service life of existing post-tensioned concrete members is significantly impacted by the corrosion of its unbonded steel tendons. This deterioration, commonly initiated by the penetration of chloride ions from deicing salts or grouts, is exacerbated by increases in live and superimposed dead loads. There is a need to develop more durable and improved design alternatives with enhanced serviceability, ductility, and strength performances. This study focuses on the serviceability performance of hybrid beams prestressed using a combination of bonded and unbonded steel and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons. Eighteen beams were tested to failure under third-point loading with emphasis on the tendon materials’ (that is, CFRP and steel) performance. Results show that hybrid beams, using CFRP as the unbonded element, are very robust prestressing systems that may achieve extended service life due to their corrosion resistance, while maintaining comparable service performance when compared to hybrid steel beams.