Time-Variant Reliability Analysis and Flexural Design of GFRP-Reinforced Bridge Decks
Publication: Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 16, Issue 4
Abstract
Glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement is being used in bridge decks as a replacement for steel reinforcement. It is thought that since the GFRP reinforcement does not corrode, it could be a more sustainable material for reinforced concrete structures. However, it is widely reported that GFRP bars do deteriorate when embedded in concrete or when immersed in concrete pore solutions. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) and AASHTO use environmental exposure factors to reduce the design strength due to this loss of capacity. However, these exposure factors have not been calibrated. In addition, limited research has been performed to quantify the time-variant flexural moment capacity of GFRP-reinforced flexural members. Recently, a Bayesian approach was used to develop a time-variant probabilistic capacity model based on capacity data of GFRP reinforcement embedded in concrete for a period of up to seven years. This model is used herein to assess the time-variant flexural moment capacity and the time-variant structural reliability of a bridge deck considering different types and sizes of GFRP bars. Even though GFRP-reinforced bridge decks are designed to be overreinforced and the designs are governed by the serviceability limit, the analysis results indicate that the probability of failure of the decks containing both 13M (#4) and 19M (#6) GFRP bars at a reference temperature of 23°C (73°F) is higher than the failure probability generally accepted in the AASHTO load and resistance factor rating (LRFR) specifications. A lower exposure temperature reduces the probability of failure over the 75 year period. The probability of failure is less than values accepted by AASHTO.
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Acknowledgments
This project was conducted in cooperation with TxDOT (Project 0-6069) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The researchers gratefully acknowledge the assistance provided by the Texas Department of Transportation personnel, in particular, Timothy E. Bradberry, David Hohmann, and German Claros.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 16 • Issue 4 • August 2012
Pages: 359 - 370
Copyright
© 2012. American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 12, 2011
Accepted: Dec 15, 2011
Published online: Dec 20, 2011
Published in print: Aug 1, 2012
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