FRP for Prestressing of Concrete Bridges in Canada

Abstract

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials are being used in a variety of configurations as an alternative reinforcement for new and strengthening civil engineering structures and bridges. These materials have high corrosion resistance, high strength and fatigue resistance. This paper describes two bridges that were built in Canada in 1993 and 1997 and are monitored to examine the long term behavior of FRP as prestressing reinforcement in severe environment and under normal traffic conditions. Also presented are summaries of the research work conducted by testing scale models to simulate the behavior of the girder and the deck slab.