Evaluation of fibre-reinforced polymer post-tensioned slab bridges using the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code

Abstract

Corrosion of steel reinforcement is a major concern for bridges throughout Canada, particularly where deicing salts are used. Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are not susceptible to corrosion, making them an attractive alternative to internal steel reinforcement for Canadian bridges. Due to the low stiffness of FRP materials, concrete members tend to have high deflections and large crack widths at service loads with serviceability limits governing their design. In addition, they tend to have lower shear capacities compared to similar steel-reinforced members. This study focuses on glass FRP (GFRP) reinforced slab strips cast with self-consolidating concrete (SCC) and post-tensioned with carbon FRP (CFRP) tendons to improve their serviceability, shear capacity, and deformability. The experimental results highlight the potential of an FRP reinforcement system for slab bridges combining passive GFRP reinforcement with prestressed CFRP tendons. The flexural performance of five FRP-reinforced slabs and one ste...