DOI

10.5703/1288284313274

Abstract

The service life of highway bridges is limited by the deterioration of their substructure components. In the U.S., it is estimated that more than 240,000 (about 40%) of the highway bridges are functionally or structurally deficient. Repairing these deteriorated bridges using traditional methods is usually time-consuming and expensive. Furthermore, these methods are such that they can cause a number of problems, such as being a threat to public safety and severe traffic disruption. Thus, it is important that new safer and more efficient methods be developed. Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) have a great potential to provide such a solution. Due to their superior material properties, such as corrosion-resistance and costeffectiveness, FRP composite materials have been effectively used in a wide variety of applications in a number of industries. In recent years, prototype projects in civil infrastructure have demonstrated the effectiveness and the benefits of the use FRP in this industry. However, the long-term performance of FRP-wrapped columns, under severe environmental conditions has not yet been fully assessed, and thus requires further investigation. This research assesses their performance in terms of corrosion resistance and freeze-thaw effect. This has been accomplished through field monitoring, field inspection, and laboratory tests.

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2000/03

Keywords

Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP), civil infrastructure rehabilitation, composites, reinforced concrete columns, corrosion resistance, freeze-thaw effect, SPR-2161

SPR Number

2161

Project Number

C-36-56NN

File Number

7-4-40

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, IN

Date of this Version

2000

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