The use of externally post-tensioned steel tendons is an attractive option to correct strength and serviceability problems in bridge and building structural members. Alternative solutions have been recently developed using post-tensioned carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons, thus ideally utilizing their high tensile strength, small relaxation, corrosion resistance, and light weight. In this paper, an innovative unbonded CFRP bar system for external post-tensioning is presented. The ability of the dead- and live-end steel anchors to develop the full tensile strength of the bars was demonstrated through laboratory testing of bar-anchor subassemblies. Intermediate deviators were developed that can be extended to achieve a profiled bar configuration and impart uplift forces at selected locations. The system is simple to install and operate, and time-consuming procedures such as bonding of post-tensioned elements and applying post-tensioning forces using hydraulic actuators are avoided. A design example is outlined to address relevant structural implications of the proposed rehabilitation method. A systematic installation is also documented as performed in a demonstration project by a team of engineering students at the University of Miami.
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