Skip to main content
Article
Strengthening of Rural Bridges using Rapid-Installation FRP Technology: Route 63 Bridge No. H356, Phelps County
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
  • Dongming Yan
  • Jianbo Li
  • Chenglin Wu, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Genda Chen, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

This report presents the use of externally bonded fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) laminates for the flexural strengthening of a concrete bridge. The bridge selected for this project is a two-span simply supported reinforced concrete slab with no transverse steel reinforcement located in Phelps County, MO. The original construction combined with the presence of very rigid parapets caused the formation of a 1-inch wide longitudinal crack, which resulted in the slab to behave as two separate elements. The structural behavior was verified using a finite element model (FEM) of the bridge. The bridge analysis was performed for maximum loads determined in accordance with AASHTO 4th edition. The strengthening scheme was designed in compliance with the ACI 440.2R-08 design guide for externally bonded FRP materials, to avoid further cracking and such that the transverse flexural capacity be higher than the cracking moment. The FRP strengthening technique was rapidly implemented. After the strengthening, a load test was performed to validate the bridge model and evaluate the structural behavior according to the AASHTO specifications. The bridge deck was retrofitted after the longitudinal crack was injected with epoxy to allow continuity in the cross section.

Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Sponsor(s)

United States. Department of Transportation
Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)

Comments

United States Department of Transportation Grant No. DTRS98-G-0021

Keywords and Phrases
  • Bridge,
  • carbon fibers,
  • FEM,
  • fiber reinforced polymers,
  • load test,
  • reinforced concrete,
  • strengthening
Report Number
UTC-R135
Document Type
Technical Report
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2009 Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety/UTC program, Missouri University of Science and Technology, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
10-1-2009
Publication Date
01 Oct 2009
Citation Information
Dongming Yan, Jianbo Li, Chenglin Wu and Genda Chen. "Strengthening of Rural Bridges using Rapid-Installation FRP Technology: Route 63 Bridge No. H356, Phelps County" (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/genda-chen/377/