EXPERIMENTAL BEHAVIOR OF CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS REINFORCED WITH REINFORCED PLASTIC (RP) REBARS

摘要

The extensive use of deicing chemicals is causing corrosion-related degradation of bridge decks and other highway structures. To improve the longevity of these structures, the use of reinforced plastic (RP) rebars in lieu of steel bars as reinforcement in concrete deck slabs is investigated under static loads, and presented in this paper. Four concrete deck-stringer systems (7' x 12') were cast and tested with the use of RP rebars. The results obtained from these tests will be used to establish a guide to design bridge decks reinforced with RP rebars. The varying parameters investigated in this paper for bending behavior of bridge decks are: (1) non-composite versus composite action; (2) steel stringer spacing; and (3) aspect ratio of the decks. These test results will be used to design and construct the first U.S. concrete bridge deck reinforced with RP rebars. [References: 9]