Title: Flexural Strengthening of Impacted PC Girder with FRP Composites

Author(s): R. Parretti, A. Nanni, J. Cox, C. Jones, and R. Mayo

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 215

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 249-262

Keywords: bridges; fiber reinforced polymer (FRP); flexure; impact damage; prestressed concrete; strengthening

DOI: 10.14359/12869

Date: 8/1/2003

Abstract:
The use of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites to restore the original capacity of impacted prestressed and reinforced concrete (PC and RC) girders is highly effective. In many instances, FRP strengthening represents the Only practical and costefficient solution to such problems. The ease and rapid installation of the external FRP reinforcement without traffic interruption is often the key parameter for the use of this technology. In this paper, the flexural strengthening of one accidentally-damaged precast PC girder of a bridge over the Gasconade River, Missouri is presented. The impact resulted in the spalling of concrete and severing of two out of 38 prestressing tendons. The location of the damage was near the mid-span of the girder. The design was based on restoring the ultimate flexural capacity of the member. This was accomplished with the installation of properly anchored carbon FRP laminates (3 plies) using manual lay-up.