Rapid Retrofit and Strengthening of Bridge Components

Rapid repair of damaged or deteriorated concrete bridge components will prevent the entire bridge from suffering irreversible damage in the future due to gradual spalling of concrete or corrosion of exposed steel. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates and fabrics have become popular for repairing and strengthening of concrete girders. A series of CFRP materials — branded CatStrong — specifically designed for the repair and retrofit of bridges was developed at the Kentucky Transportation Center and the University of Kentucky. These materials include the CFRP Rod Panels (CatStrong CRPs), Unidirectional and Triaxial Carbon Fabric (CatStrong UCF and TCF), and Triaxial Carbon Wrap (CatStrong TCW). This study documented the implementation of CFRP materials to rapidly repair/strengthen six bridges in Kentucky. Three of the retrofit projects utilized CatStrong CRPs for strengthening reinforced concrete bridge girders. Because the CRPs have modular construction, they can easily be applied by a by a single worker, eliminating the need for extensive scaffolding/access equipment and a large work force. As such, the construction costs related to panel application is less than those for other retrofit measures. CatStrong TCW, combined with CatStrong TCF, was deployed for the repair and strengthening of deteriorated timber piles. The remaining two projects involved the use of CatStrong UCF and TCF for strengthening cracked prestressed concrete girder ends and strengthening a cracked bridge pier cap. Each bridge retrofit project was carried out by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet bridge maintenance crews. The crews were trained on the use and application of the new material. Design and construction specifications for the CatStrong CRPs were also developed as part of the study.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2019.07
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/55552
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Kentucky, Lexington

  Kentucky Transportation Center
  College of Engineering, 176 Raymond Building
  Lexington, KY  United States  40506-0281

  Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

  Frankfort, KY  United States  40622

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Peiris, Abheetha
  • Harik, Issam E
• Publication Date: 2019-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 81p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Carbon fibers; Concrete bridges; Fiber reinforced polymers; Girders; Repairing; Retrofitting
• Geographic Terms: Kentucky
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01762924
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: KTC-19-07/SPR13-465-1F
• Contract Numbers: SPR 13-465
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jan 29 2021 4:26PM