Field application of FRP material in Kentucky

Abstract

Repair and rehabilitation utilizing FRP composites, especially carbon FRP fabric and laminates are becoming the primary choice for strengthening damaged structural components or for upgrading structures. The deployment of FRP materials in a number of bridges in Kentucky are presented along with a discussion on long term durability. The highlighted field applications include the use of: (1) FRP rebars – both glass FRP (GFRP) and carbon FRP (CFRP) in bridge decks; (2) FRP sections – a pultruded FRP composite I-girder pedestrian bridge and suspension bridge with a GFRP superstructure; (3) CFRP fabric – retrofitting of reinforced concrete box-beams, repair of concrete bridge pedestals, retrofit of precast prestressed I-girders and strengthening of concrete piers; (4) SFRP fabric – steel FRP used to repair crack locations in RC beams and PC I-beams; and (5) CFRP laminate – normal modulus laminates for strengthening reinforced concrete girders as well as ultra high modulus laminates for strengthening steel girders. A discussion of the lessons learned along with recommendations is also presented.