Title: Preliminary Performance Observations for an FRP Reinforced Concrete Bridge Deck

Author(s): A. A. Huckelbridge, Jr. and A. K. Eitel

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 215

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 121-138

Keywords: bridges; fiber reinforced polymer (FRP); health monitoring; load testing; reinforced concrete

DOI: 10.14359/12862

Date: 8/1/2003

Abstract:
The corrosion resistance of fiber-reinforced polymers, in addition to their high-strength and lightweight, makes them a promising alternative to traditional steel reinforcement in bridge decks. In cooperation with the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Engineering Department, a health monitoring system is being implemented on a 3500 square foot replacement concrete bridge deck reinforced completely with glass FRP reinforcing bars. The monitoring system incorporates dynamic and environmental data sampling, occurring on a quarterly basis. Instrumentation includes strain gages, temperature probes, and displacement transducers. This bridge deck represents one of the first utilizations of FRP reinforcing bars on an Ohio bridge. The investigation, at its conclusion, will serve as a valuable record of composite behavior and may foster broader use in area bridge decks.