Stochastic Modeling for Time-Dependent Behavior of CFRP-Prestressed Concrete Girders

Abstract

AbstractThe time-dependent behavior of prestressed concrete bridge girders with steel strands and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite tendons is analytically investigated. A stochastic modeling approach, Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE), is employed to address uncertainties associated with the girder responses. According to the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications and ACI 440.4R-04, three girders (BT-54, BT-63, and BT-72) are designed and their behavior is examined. To compare the performance of the steel-prestressed concrete girders against that of their CFRP counterparts, corrosion is simulated for 100 years. The prestress loss of the steel-prestressed girders subjected to damage is noticeable, whereas the loss of the CFRP-prestressed girders is stable over time. The variation of the load-carrying capacity of the girders is affected by the section depth, irrespective of tendon type. Currently, research is underway to evaluate the deformability, deflections, and sectional rotations of the girders.KeywordsCarbon fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)PrestressStochastic modeling