Behavior of Hybrid Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks under Static and Fatigue Loading

Abstract

This paper presents a new bridge deck reinforcement alternative using hybrid reinforced concrete (Hybrid) consisting of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebar and alkali-resistant fiberglass composite macrofibers added to the concrete mixture. Fiberglass composite macrofibers are a miniaturized GFRP reinforcing bar that is a composite of resin and glass fibers. An experimental testing program and analytical modeling were conducted to evaluate the structural performance at the service and ultimate limit states. Thirteen full-scale bridge deck specimens were constructed and tested under static and fatigue loading. The fatigue loading was applied up to two million cycles at a frequency of 4 Hz. Post-fatigue, the specimens were tested to failure to compare pre-and post-fatigue behavior. Simplified and moment-curvature analytical models were used to predict the specimens’ flexural strength at the ultimate level, and both were found to be accurate for predicting pre- and post-fatigue strength. Deflection and crack width were monitored throughout the fatigue loading, and these values were compared to the recommended AASHTO LRFD serviceability limits. Testing and analytical results showed that the Hybrid deck is a viable alternative to steel-reinforced and GFRP-reinforced bridge decks for flexural behavior. The service and ultimate level behavior of each bridge deck type was adequate as compared to the AASHTO LRFD service limits. The exceptional post-peak energy absorption demonstrated by the Hybrid adds ductility to previously elastic GFRP reinforced sections.

Influencia de la adición de fibra de vidrio AR sobre la resistencia a la compresión del concreto f’c 210 kg/cm2. Una revisión sistemática: 2020 – 2024

“…Investigaciones adicionales han demostrado que el empleo de mallas de fibra de vidrio AR en configuraciones específicas dentro del hormigón celular no solo mejora la resistencia a la compresión, flexión y tracción, sino que también contribuye a una menor propagación de fisuras bajo cargas tensionales (McRory et al, 2022). El resultado de aplicar tres capas de malla fue el incremento sustancial de las resistencias en todas las categorías evaluadas, lo que representa un avance notable hacia el desarrollo de hormigones más resistentes y duraderos.…”