Fibre reinforced polymer reinforcing bars for bridge decks

This paper describes the behaviour of two full-scale models of a portion of highway bridge slab reinforced with fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement. The first slab was reinforced totally with carbon FRP (CFRP), and the second slab was reinforced with hybrid glass FRP (GFRP) and steel reinforcement. The models were tested under static loading up to failure using a concentrated load acting on each span of the continuous slab and the two cantilevers to simulate the effect of a truck wheel load. Load-deflection behaviour, crack patterns, strain distribution, and failure mode are reported. The measured values are compared to values calculated using nonlinear finite element analysis model. The accuracy of the nonlinear finite element analysis is demonstrated using independent test results conducted by others. The analytical model is used to examine the influence of various parameters, including the type of reinforcement, boundary conditions, and reinforcement ratio. Based on serviceability and ultimate capacity requirements, reinforcement ratios for using CFRP and GFRP reinforcement for typical bridge deck slabs are recommended.