Design Construction and Field Validation of the Southview Bridge in Rolla, Missouri

摘要

A research project was undertaken to evaluate the use of post-tensioned FRP for bridge deck construction. The type of structure selected for this project is a four-span continuous concrete slab having GFRP bars for top and bottom mats and CFRP reinforcement for internal post-tensioning of the bridge deck. This bridge is located in Rolla, Missouri. One lane of the bridge was already built using a conventional four cell steel reinforced concrete box culvert. One lane and sidewalk needed to be added. This additional lane was constructed using FRP bars as internal reinforcement. This study included the design of the FRP portion of the bridge using existing codes when appropriate, validation of the FRP technology through a pre-construction investigation conducted on two specimens representing a deck strip, the construction of the bridge and a field validation through load test. The results showed that a combination of post-tensioned and mild FRP reinforcement results in an economical solution for a deck system with low deflection and high shear strength at a minimum deck thickness.