Flexural Resistance Models for Concrete Decks Reinforced with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bars

Abstract

A major portion of maintenance budgets in the United States is usually directed to deck replacement on the aging population of bridges. Concrete deck deterioration, which is mainly due to corrosion of steel reinforcing bars, often takes place before the design life of the bridge is achieved. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars offer a tensile reinforcement alternative that would eliminate corrosion-related problems. Estimation of the flexural capacity of concrete elements reinforced with FRP bars relies on the same concepts of equilibrium and compatibility used for other materials. Incorporation of these concepts in a load and resistance factor design format requires a reliability study and calibration of the new system. This paper presents statistically derived resistance models for concrete decks reinforced with FRP bars. The resistance models are based on a detailed layered-section analysis that takes into account the nonlinearities of the materials. A wide range of parameters was considered, including various thicknesses, concrete strengths, and reinforcement ratios. The results from this research will be used in a calibration study that will provide resistance factors suitable for flexure design of bridge decks reinforced with FRP bars.