Title: Deflection Assessment of an FRP-Reinforced Concrete Bridge

Author(s): D. D. Kleinhans, A. Prota, and A. Nanni

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 210

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 225-248

Keywords: bridge structure; carbon; deflection; design guidelines; FRP; glass; in-situ testing; lateral distribution of load; reinforced concrete

DOI: 10.14359/12581

Date: 2/1/2003

Abstract:
Serviceability of FRP-reinforced concrete structures remains a highly relevant issue as more structures are constructed using the technology. With the recent publication of the ACI 440 doocument "Guide for the Design and Construction of Concrete Reinforced with FRP Bars," the need to examine serviceability-related issues and validate the accuracy of these design guidelines is heightened. A short-span concrete slab bridge was constructed in St. James, Missouri, using precast panels reinforced with FRP bars. The bridge was designed to meet AASHTO load and deflection requirements using the "Guide for the Design and Construction of Concrete Reinforced with FRP Bars." Carbon FRP, as tensile reinforcement, and glass FRP, as shear reinforcement, were utilized. Laboratory testing of one bridge panel that is identical to those installed in the field was conducted using a four-point loading configuration. Field testing of the bridge was also conducted to examine its behavior under service load. A loaded dump truck was placed at various locations along the bridge while deflections were measured and recorded. Similar field tests will be conducted annually fo rthe next three years in an effort to monitor the ong-term performance of the bridge. The results of the laboratory and field tests are summarized herein; a comparison between the theoretical and measured deflection values is made to illustrate the conservative nature of the prescribed design guidelines.