Field evaluation of composite materials for bridge strengthening.

摘要

This dissertation document consists on five technical papers, compiling the results of the research done on two projects related to the uses of FRP materials on the strengthening RC bridges structures. Four papers are related to the first project "Validation of FRP Composite Technology Through Field Testing," and one paper to the second project "Moment Redistribution on Composite-Strengthened RC Slabs."; The work of the first project focuses on field validation of five variances of FRP techniques for strengthening of concrete bridges. Fundamental issues related to bridge strengthening with composites are identified and studied, in particular those associated to construction, analysis and design, load testing, load rating and monitoring.; One of the intellectual merit of the present dissertation consist of development of materials and construction specifications, a comprehensive document developed to make the technology of composite available to bridges owners and intended to be used in future FRP-related projects. These specifications cover material and construction requirements for strengthening RC bridges with composites materials and cover the phases of concrete repairs, surface preparation, material specification, storage, handling, installation process, for five technologies used in the project.; The work of the second project is focuses on analytical and numerical work to discuss if moment redistribution can be neglected in Reinforced Concreted (RC) flexural slabs strengthened with externally-bonded carbon FRP system. Two 22-ft continues slabs were tested to validate the model.