Design and Construction of a Bridge Deck using Mild and Post-Tensioned FRP Bars

Abstract

Synopsis: The type of structure selected for this research project is a four-span continuous concrete slab having GFRP bars for top and bottom mats and CFRP reinforcement for internal post-tensioning. The bridge is located in Rolla, Missouri (Southview Drive on Carter Creek). One lane of the bridge was already built using a conventional four-cell steel reinforced concrete box culvert. One lane and sidewalk needed to be added and were constructed using FRP bars. This study includes design of the FRP portion of the bridge using existing codes, validation of the FRP technology through a pre-construction investigation conducted on two specimens representing a deck strip, and construction of the bridge; the results showed how FRP, in the form of GFRP as passive and CFRP bars as active internal reinforcement, could be a feasible solution replacing the steel reinforcement of concrete slab bridges, and specifically the enhanced shear capacity of the slab due to the CFRP prestressing.