Research Activities: 2000

Laboratory and Field Testing of FRP-Reinforced Concrete Bridge

 

Status

Complete

View Report:

PDF 
 

Sequential Number

R42
 

Identification Number

R-5-38046
 

Matching Research Agency

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)
 

Principal Investigator

Steve E. Watkins, Associate Professor
Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Missouri-Rolla
121 EECH
Rolla, MO 65409
p(573) 341-6321
f(573) 341-4532
watkins@mst.edu
 

Student Involvement

One (1) Ph.D. student and one (1) M.S. student
 

Project Objective

The primary objective is to validate the performance of an FRP-reinforced concrete bridge. Laboratory testing of bridge specimens will be conducted and field-testing of the bridge will be performed.
 

Project Abstract

The proposed work will validate the performance of FRP-reinforced concrete bridge. The bridge is being constructed in the City of St. James as a cooperative effort between UMR and the City of St. James. UMR has contracted commercial suppliers of FRP material and concrete bridge panels. The bridge will be installed and tested. Also, several laboratory tests will be performed on full-scale test articles. The flexure and shear performance of the technology will be documented.
 

Task Description

N/A
 

Anticipated Benefits

The project will demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of using FRP-reinforced bridges for new construction and promote the acceptance of composite materials in civil engineering structures.
 

Modal Orientation

N/A
 

Milestones

Project Start Date:07/15/2000
Project End Date:07/31/2001
 

Relationship to other Research/Projects

The work is part of an ongoing effort to develop and promote the use of FRP composite materials in civil engineering structures. Several new bridges have been built using FRP elements and several existing bridges have been repaired or upgraded with FRP reinforcement. Also, laboratory testing of similar structures support the technical development and technology transfer.
 

Technology Transfer Activities

The testing results will be published at technical conferences and in technical journals and will be shared with local and state government agencies.
 

Transportation Research Board Keywords

FRP composite reinforcement, reinforce-concrete and short-span bridges