Development of Concrete Arch Slab Bridges Reinforced with Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement for Corrosive Environments

Similar to several RC structures especially those in harsh environments, RC arch bridges are facing some problems such as steel corrosion, which leads the bridges to premature deterioration. Engineers found that fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement is a good alternative of steel because of its excellent corrosion resistance. It has also other advantages that make it an attractive alternative of steel in structures in areas of marine and corrosive environments. This research study will focus on using FRP bars as an internal reinforcement in arch slab bridges. The experimental work will include the construction of several arch slab bridge. Test parameters will include type of reinforcing bars (Steel, Glass FRP, and Caron FRP), reinforcement ratio, and using of hybrid reinforcement (Steel and GFRP). Measurements will include cracking behavior, mode of failure, ultimate capacity, deflections and strains. The main aim is to show if FRP bars can be used as a reinforcing material in arch slabs in corrosive areas and if they will be comparable the behavior of steel-RC arches.

Similar to several RC structures especially those in harsh environments, RC arch bridges are facing some problems such as steel corrosion, which leads the bridges to premature deterioration. Engineers found that fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement is a good alternative of steel because of its excellent corrosion resistance. It has also other advantages that make it an attractive alternative of steel in structures in areas of marine and corrosive environments. This research study will focus on using FRP bars as an internal reinforcement in arch slab bridges. The experimental work will include the construction of several arch slab bridge. Test parameters will include type of reinforcing bars (Steel, Glass FRP, and Caron FRP), reinforcement ratio, and using of hybrid reinforcement (Steel and GFRP). Measurements will include cracking behavior, mode of failure, ultimate capacity, deflections and strains. The main aim is to show if FRP bars can be used as a reinforcing material in arch slabs in corrosive areas and if they will be comparable the behavior of steel-RC arches.