Steel Post-and-Beam Barrier with GFRP-Reinforced Concrete Curb and Bridge Deck Connection
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 18, Issue 11
Abstract
This paper discusses the crashworthiness of prototype steel post-and-beam barriers [Ministry of Transportation of Québec (MTQ) Type 210] whose concrete curb-to-bridge deck connection is reinforced with corrosion-resistant glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). Experimental evidence is obtained from proof tests on five full-scale barrier and overhang subassemblies. The text matrix includes three GFRP RC and two steel RC specimens. The steel RC benchmark system is currently used as specified in the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC). The objective is to verify whether (1) the resistance to out-of-plane quasi-static loads and the associated transverse deflection of the GFRP RC curb and steel barrier system are comparable to those of the steel RC counterparts; (2) the transverse strength exceeds the CHBDC equivalent static load demand; and (3) failure at the curb-deck connection is attained at safe transverse loads, and premature failure at the curb-deck connection is prevented. The GFRP and steel RC systems exhibit comparable strength, with the former undergoing greater deformations. For both systems, premature brittle failure of the curb-deck connection is prevented, and the equivalent static load requirements are satisfied. A larger capacity is attained when closed GFRP stirrup connectors are used at the curb-deck connection in lieu of C-shaped stirrups. An analytical model is used to predict the lower-bound strength of the GFRP RC curb-deck connection, and relevant design implications are discussed. It is recommended that the adoption of the proposed GFRP RC design relies on conclusive evidence from crash testing to verify safety against vehicle rollover because of the greater deformations compared with steel RC systems having the same amount of reinforcement.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the financial and technical support of the Ministry of Transportation of Québec. Special thanks are extended to Pultrall, GFRP bar supplier; Beton Demix, concrete supplier; Aciers Orford, steel bar supplier; Les Coffrages Carmel, for assistance in the fabrication of the formwork, concrete casting, and curing; the technical staff of the structural laboratory at the University of Sherbrooke, especially Mr. Francois Ntacorigira and Mr. Simon Kelly, for assistance in instrumenting and testing the barrier specimens; and the University of South Carolina for support through the second author’s research incentive funds.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 18 • Issue 11 • November 2013
Pages: 1189 - 1197
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 22, 2012
Accepted: Jan 16, 2013
Published online: Jan 18, 2013
Published in print: Nov 1, 2013
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