Evaluation of composite post-tensioning systems on bridge SCI-23-0096, Scioto County

Performed by Ohio State University Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering & Geodetic Science.; "March, 2003."; Includes bibliographical references (p. 28).; Final report.; Sponsored by Ohio Dept. of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration under state job no. 14723(0); Harvested from the web on 3/29/06Aging highway infrastructure, increasing traffic loads and the high cost of rehabilitation have combined to make novel repair methodologies increasingly attractive. Several new products now receiving attention in bridge rehabilitation are made from high strength, durable composite materials. In the current project, carbon fiber rods were affixed to a four span steel girder, concrete deck bridge. The project was divided into three phases. The first phase consisted of the installation of strain and displacement sensors on the existing structure and the measurement of deflections during controlled traffic loads. Carbon fiber rods were attached in the second phase. During the third phase the response of the newly reinforced bridge to vehicular and environmental loads was monitored. No actual improvement in bridge performance was detected after the carbon fiber rods were installed. The slight difference between the before and after deflections and strains was less than the variability that should be expected in the readings.Aging highway infrastructure, increasing traffic loads and the high cost of rehabilitation have combined to make novel repair methodologies increasingly attractive. Several new products now receiving attention in bridge rehabilitation are made from high strength, durable composite materials. In the current project, carbon fiber rods were affixed to a four span steel girder, concrete deck bridge. The project was divided into three phases. The first phase consisted of the installation of strain and displacement sensors on the existing structure and the measurement of deflections during controlled traffic loads. Carbon fiber rods were attached in the second phase. During the third phase the response of the newly reinforced bridge to vehicular and environmental loads was monitored. No actual improvement in bridge performance was detected after the carbon fiber rods were installed. The slight difference between the before and after deflections and strains was less than the variability that should be expected in the readings