THE FHWA ROLE IN ADVANCING FIBER-REINFORCEDPOLYMER COMPOSITES FOR HIGHWAYSAND BRIDGES

摘要

This paper will describe several examples of how FHWA has played a major role sincernthe 1980s in advancing the use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in highwayrnand bridge applications. It will cover early studies conducted at the Turner-FairbankrnHighway Research Center to funding research in such States as Delaware and WestrnVirginia. A description of the routine FHWA Highway Bridge Program will lay therngroundwork for a basic source of funding for FRP projects.rnFunding through the FHWA Innovative Bridge Research and Construction Programrn(IBRC) will be captured as instrumental in getting States to deploy over 100 projects thatrnincluded either FRP panels for deck replacements, FRP wraps or laminates for upgradingrnload carrying capacities, and FRP rebar as alternates to steel rebar, to name a few.rnThe next-generation FHWA IBRD program will be highlighted, with its emphasis onrnprefabricated bridge systems and accelerated bridge construction techniques. Anotherrnnew program funded by SAFETEA-LU, the Long-Term Bridge Performance Programrnwill be explained as a means to evaluate existing FRP bridge components in-service.rnAnd still another newly-funded program, Highways for LIFE will be explored as a meansrnto incorporate innovative materials in a fast, efficient manner to produce a longer-lastingrninfrastructure.rnInterwoven throughout the paper will be examples of how FRP composites can be used tornaddress the goals of the FHWA "Bridge of the Future" program. FHWA support ofrnspecification development will be referenced as a vital effort to mainstream FRPrncomponents.