Title: Efficient Use of CFRP Stay-in-Place Form for Durable Concrete Bridge Decks

Author(s): L. Cheng and V.M. Karbhari

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 257

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-14

Keywords: bridge deck; fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP); stay-in-place (SIP); steel-free

DOI: 10.14359/20237

Date: 10/1/2008

Abstract:
This paper presents the development of a steel-free concrete bridge deck reinforced with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) stay-in-place (SIP) form. The SIP form has a configuration of a flat laminated CFRP plate stiffened with rectangular stand-ups filled with nonstructural foam and interlocking ribs at the interface. Thin layers of CFRP mesh are used for top tensile reinforcement at intermediate continuity regions. Performance evaluation of short-term static flexure was conducted through tests on a series of 610 mm (2 ft) wide deck specimens. Dynamic response of the system (for example, natural frequencies and mode shapes) was characterized using a forced vibration testing method. Furthermore, long-term behavior under fatigue simulating traffic loads was experimentally assessed using a full-scale continuously spanned specimen. The observations from these laboratory tests on load-carrying capacity and failure modes showed a satisfactory and efficient design of the system. These test results were further used to calibrate a finite-element based nonlinear model (ABAQUS) for numerical simulation and development of a simplified design procedure. Environmental effects due to temperature, creep, and shrinkage were considered using the calibrated numerical model, the results of which showed insignificant residual stress caused by these effects between concrete and CFRP composites over time.