Title: Serviceability of Concrete Bridge Deck Slabs Reinforced with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Bars

Author(s): Ehab El-Salakawy and Brahim Benmokrane

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 101

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 727-736

Keywords: bar; bridge deck; fiber-reinforced polymer

DOI: 10.14359/13395

Date: 9/1/2004

Abstract:
The serviceability concerns, especially cracking and deflections, usually govern the design of reinforced concrete flexural members reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars. This research program was designed to investigate the flexural behavior and serviceability performance of concrete deck slabs reinforced with different types of FRP composite bars. A total of 10 full-size one-way concrete slabs were constructed and tested. The slabs were 3100 mm long x 1000 mm wide x 200 mm deep. The test parameters were the type and size of FRP reinforcing bars and the reinforcement ratio. Five slabs were reinforced with glass FRP (GFRP), three were reinforced with carbon FRP (CFRP) bars, and two control slabs were reinforced with conventional steel. The slabs were tested under four-point bending over a simply supported clear span of 2500 and a shear span of 1000 mm. The test results are reported in terms of deflection, crack width, strains in concrete and reinforcement, ultimate capacity, and mode of failure. Comparison with the predictions of CAN/CSA-S806-02, CAN/CSA-S6-00 codes, and ACI 440.1R-01 design guidelines is also presented. Test results showed that slabs with a CFRP or GFRP reinforcement ratio equivalent to the balanced reinforcement ratio satisfy serviceability and strength requirements of the considered design codes.