Research Activities: 2000

Evaluating FRP Repair Method for Cracked Prestressed Concrete Bridge Members Subjected to Repeated Loadings: Phase I

 

Status

Complete

View Report:

PDF 
 

Sequential Number

R37
 

Identification Number

R-5-38059
 

Matching Research Agency

Kansas Department of transportation (KDOT)
 

Principal Investigator

Robert J. Peterman, Assistant Professor
Kansas State University
2118 Fiedler Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
p(785) 532-7612
f(758) 532-7717
bob@ksu.edu
 

Student Involvement

One M.S. student and one undergraduate
 

Project Objective

To investigate the feasibility of repairing strengthening prestressed concrete members that has been in service for over 20 years.
 

Project Abstract

Because of the expenses and inconvenience incurred by replacing damaged prestressed concrete bridge members, KDOT would like to evaluate the feasibility of repairing future damaged members with FRP bonded material. While it has been shown previously that repair and rehabilitation of prestressed members using FRP materials is feasible from a strength viewpoint, information about the long-term performance of FRP repairs to older structures, when subjected to repeat loading cycles is limited. The study will address the key issue, in addition to the effects of repeated loading on the performance of members with bonded FRP layers, in which all layers do not extend to the girder ends. Since the problem of cracked members has been frequently noted in Kansas (cracked members in 3 different bridges have been replaced during the past 5 years in Graham County alone), the information that will be gained from this is extremely timely. In addition, the findings of this study will be generally applicable to various-shaped concrete members, including K-Beams, AASHTO Sections, etc. The ability to repair existing bridges without taking them out of service has broader financial implications for businesses that rely on those roads for their livelihood. Most importantly, this study will address the current concerns about the long-term performance of FRP repairs made to older members that are subsequently subjected to repeat loadings.
 

Task Description

Repair and strengthening of 20-year-old concrete bridge members.
 
 

Anticipated Benefits

The potential benefits of the project include the assessment of FRP repair and strengthening techniques for members that have been in service for over 20 years. If successful, this technology may significantly impact the current replacement strategies for the older bridges in Kansas. This would result in considerable savings of time and money by KDOT, and eliminate the necessity of closing bridges while damaged members are being replaced. In addition, the cooperation that is developing between Kansas State University and the University of Missouri-Rolla will provide increased opportunity for future collaborative projects.
 

Modal Orientation

N/A
 

Milestones

Project Start Date:09/01/2000
Project End Date:08/31/2001
 

Relationship to other Research/Projects

N/A
 

Technology Transfer Activities

This project provides a significant avenue for technology transfer in that two universities for two different states (Kansas and Missouri) will be working closely together. At the conclusion of the project a final report will be prepared and submitted to KDOT. In addition, the findings will be presented at a professional conference (PCI, TRB or similar).
 

Transportation Research Board Keywords

FRP, strengthening, repair, prestressed and concrete girders