Performance Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns Wrapped with Fiber Reinforced Polymers
Publication: Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 7, Issue 2
Abstract
This study investigates the performance of new bridge columns wrapped with fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) when exposed to aggressive environmental conditions. This has been accomplished through field monitoring and laboratory tests. As part of the field monitoring, temperature data were collected at various locations of bridge columns. In addition, visual inspection of two bridges was performed periodically for over a period of two years. No evidence of deterioration of the FRP wraps was detected during that period. Laboratory tests were performed to investigate how FRP wraps protect reinforced concrete columns from corrosion, and freeze–thaw laboratory tests were conducted to study the impact of temperature cycles on the mechanical behavior of FRP-wrapped columns. From the corrosion experimental tests, it was found that FRP provides excellent protection against aggressive agents (salty water or moisture) even when a single layer is used. Compression tests were conducted on specimens subjected to freeze–thaw cycles. It was found that minor thermal cycles have no effect on the performance of FRP-wrapped concrete specimens. However, for large thermal cycles, some degradation of ductility in the axial and the hoop directions was observed.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 7 • Issue 2 • May 2003
Pages: 83 - 92
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 30, 2001
Accepted: Apr 24, 2002
Published online: Apr 15, 2003
Published in print: May 2003
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