Performance of Concrete Bridge Decks and Slabs Reinforced with Epoxy-Coated Steel Under Repeated Loading

Abstract

This experimental study addresses the performance of reinforced concrete slabs containing epoxy-coated reinforcement subjected to high-cycle/low stress range repeated loading typical of those encountered in bridge decks. The behavior under repeated load indicated that epoxy-coated reinforcement does not significantly increase deflections despite the larger bar slip associated with wider cracks. The wider cracks do increase the potential for increased amount of corrosive agent at the level of the rop mat of reinforcement in bridge decks. The average bond strength ratios of coated to uncoated specimens support a proposed single modification factor of 1.35 for specimens with lower cover.