Case Study on CFRP Prestressed Concrete Soldier-Pile Walls with GFRP-Reinforced Precast Concrete Panels

Abstract

AbstractThis case study presents the use of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) prestressed concrete (PC) soldier-piles coupled with glass-FRP reinforced concrete (RC) precast panels, for a combined bridge bearing abutment and retaining wall system. The application of FRP prestressing and reinforcing on the US 41 Highway Bridge over North Creek in Sarasota County was promoted by the Florida Department of Transportation under their Transportation Innovation Challenge initiative. Soldier-pile retaining walls are a commonly used system in southeastern US coastal states, but the incorporation of innovative materials such as CFRP-prestressing for piles and GFRP-reinforcing for concrete panels is not yet widespread. In addition to describing the preferred FRP-PC/RC solution adopted for this project, a comparison is provided to a recently completed adjacent bridge that utilized a traditional carbon-steel PC soldier-pile and RC precast panel wall system. A further comparison is presented for the design and cost of the wall system based on the project design criteria (ACI 440.1R, ACI 440.4R, and 2009 AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Guide Specifications for GFRP-Reinforced Concrete, 1st Edition) with the refinements and savings possible under the newer editions. Finally, the life-cycle cost, durability and environmental benefits from the use of the innovative CFRP and GFRP reinforcing systems in this type of traditional wall system will be identified for typical urban coastal areas with extremely aggressive conditions, congested access, and challenging environmental constraints.