Title: Finite Element Modeling of Concrete Bridge Deck Slabs Reinforced with FRP Bars

Author(s): A. El-Ragaby, E.F. El-Salakawy, and B. Benmokrane

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 230

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 915-934

Keywords: bridges; concrete deck slab; finite element modeling; FRPbars

DOI: 10.14359/14873

Date: 10/1/2005

Abstract:
This paper presents the results of a finite element analysis for threedifferent bridges that have been recently constructed and tested in North America. Inthese bridges, different types of reinforcement (steel and FRP reinforcing bars) wereused as reinforcement for the concrete deck slabs. Two bridges, Magog Bridge andCookshire-Eaton Bridge, are located in Quebec, Canada, while the third one,Morristown Bridge, is located in Vermont, USA. The three bridges are girder-type withmain girders made of either steel or prestressed concrete. The main girders were eithersimply or continuously supported over spans ranging from 26.2 to 43.0 m. The deckwas a 200 to 230 mm thickness concrete slab continuous over spans of 2.30 to 2.8 m.Different types, sizes, and reinforcement ratios of glass and carbon FRP reinforcingbars were used. Furthermore, the three bridges are located on different road orhighway categories, which mean different traffic volumes and environments. Thebridges were tested for service performance using calibrated truckloads. The results ofthe field load tests were used to verify the finite element model. Comparisons showedthat FEM can predict the behavior of such elements. Then, the model was used toinvestigate the effect of the FRP reinforcement type and ratio on the service andultimate behavior of these bridge decks. According to the findings, a proposedreinforcement ratio was recommended and verified using the FEM to meet the strengthand serviceability requirements of the design codes.