Design Sensitivity of Cross-tensioned BFRP Concrete Pavement

Abstract

Basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP), a lightweight and corrosion resistant reinforcement, has potential to be an alternative for steel in cross-tensioned concrete pavements. In this study, the structural response and design input sensitivity of cross-tensioned BFRP concrete pavement was assessed with 3-D finite element analysis. The results show that the oblique BFRP tendons with a pre-stressing level at 65% of its ultimate strength produced significant slab compressive stresses in both transverse and longitudinal directions, which leads to higher flexural capacity and longer performance life. The slab analysis determined preliminary pre-stressing in the longitudinal and transverse direction requires BFRP diameters approximately 14 to 18 mm at a spacing between 500 to 1000 mm and 25 deg to 40 deg skew angle for slab thickness of 16 to 20 cm. The exact BFRP design parameters (diameter, spacing and skew angle) and slab thickness depends on the specific site traffic loading and environmental conditions. The coefficient of friction and slab length have a significant impact on the tensile stresses in the concrete during the initial pre-stressing but has limited impact on slab stresses due to traffic loading. Other factors that have limited effects are elastic modulus of the concrete, base and soil.