The lack of availability of (1) design guidelines for the use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcements, (2) CFRP-test standards, and (3) low cost CFRP prestressing strands, stirrups and reinforcing rods has contributed significantly to the delay in using composite materials in prestressed concrete construction in the United States. Consequently, no single prestressed concrete bridge using CFRP materials has been constructed or even considered by bridge contractors or any government agency. As a result, the use of CFRP reinforcements in the US has been limited to research activities and subsequent technical publications.
Several states (DOTS Great Lakes Consortium) have realized the importance and the positive impact that this innovative/smart bridge system of the City of Southfield would have on developing new approaches for future construction of their highway bridges. As a result, Departments of Transportation (DOTS) in the following states are providing technical and financial support for the proposed research project: (1) Michigan (2) Ohio (3) Minnesota (4) New York and (5) Pennsylvania.
This research investigation is tailored to: (1) develop design guidelines to aid the designers to safely design CFRP prestressed structural components, (2) establish appropriate test standards for CFRP prestressing strands, stirrups, and flexural reinforcing rods, and (3) construct a one-half scale bridge model and two prestressed concrete girders and test them under different loading conditions. The proposed investigation will result in design guidelines and technical data that are essential for the design and construction of future CFRP prestressed concrete bridges by the supporting state agencies.
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
