Performance of AASHTO-Type Bridge Model Prestressed with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement

Abstract

Carbon fi ber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite material has been widely studied and applied in bridge engineering as an alternative solution to the corrosion-related problems posed by steel reinforcement. Nevertheless, adoption of CFRP reinforcement to replace conventional steel reinforcement in highway bridges has not been fully realized yet in the fi eld. Therefore, large-scale experimental investigations on bridges with CFRP reinforcement are essential to encourage its widespread application in highway bridges. This paper presents an experimental investigation conducted on a one-third-scale AASHTO-type bridge model prestressed with carbon fi ber composite cable (CFCC) strands. The bridge model was designed, constructed, instrumented, and tested to thoroughly investigate its fl exural behavior, strain response, and ultimate load failure. A separate one-third-scale single AASHTO-type I-beam was also constructed and tested to study its fl exural and shear behavior as a control beam. In general, both the control beam and the bridge model experienced compression-controlled failure as anticipated. Signifi cant cracking and defl ection were experienced prior to failure. The ultimate strength of the control beam and the bridge model were in close agreement with the values estimated using the Unifi ed Design Approach.

Effect of Bond Condition on Cyclic Behavior of Post- Tensioned Concrete Beams with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Tendons

“…Corrosion-induced deterioration of steel strands is one of the major reasons that the structural integrity of prestressed concrete structures is compromised before the structures reach their expected lifespan (Grace et al 2013). Substituting steel strands with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), particularly carbon FRP (CFRP), offers a viable solution due to its exceptional properties such as corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue resistance, and low relaxation (Grace et al 2013;Peng and Xue 2018a). However, the inherent brittleness of FRP limits the ductility of structural members.…”