Steel-Free Hybrid Reinforcement System for Concrete Bridge Decks

A research project was initiated to develop a nonferrous hybrid reinforcement system for concrete bridge decks by using continuous fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) rebars and discrete randomly distributed polypropylene fibers. This hybrid system may eliminate problems related to corrosion of steel reinforcement while providing requisite strength, stiffness and desired ductility, which are shortcomings of FRP reinforcement systems in reinforced concrete. The test results showed that with the addition of fibers, structural performances of the system are improved. Although polypropylene fibers do not increase the ultimate bond strength, they provide enhanced ductile bond behavior. Also, with the addition of fibers, the flexural behaviors are improved with the increase of the ductility index friction coefficient by approximately 40% as compared to the plain concrete beams. With the addition of polypropylene fibers, the durability of the system was improved. Some design recommendations are proposed based on analytical models and test results.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This research was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Missouri, Rolla

  Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies
  1870 Miner Circle Drive
  Rolla, MO  United States  65409

  Research and Special Programs Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Belarbi, Abdeldjelil
  • Wang, Huanzi
• Publication Date: 2004-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Bibliography; Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 205 p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bond strength (Materials); Bridge decks; Bridge design; Coefficient of friction; Ductility; Durability; Durability tests; Fatigue tests; Fiber reinforced concrete; Fiber reinforced materials; Flexural strength; Laboratory studies; Polypropylene; Prototype tests; Reinforced concrete bridges; Reinforcement (Engineering); Reinforcing bars; Reinforcing materials; Static tests
• Uncontrolled Terms: Hybrid reinforcement systems
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I32: Concrete;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01005801
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: UTC R52, Report No. 00001140 OT052
• Contract Numbers: DTRS98-G-0021 (Grant)
• Files: UTC, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 6 2005 9:57PM