Performance-Related Specifications for Concrete Bridge Superstructures, Volume 3: Nonmetallic Reinforcement

In Volume 3 of the final report, research work conducted to investigate the behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement is summarized. This study focused on the behavior of FRP reinforced concrete structures with an emphasis on bond and shear. For the bond investigation, three series of beam splice tests were performed on specimens reinforced with steel, glass FRP, and aramid FRP to determine the effect of the different types of reinforcement on bond, cracking, and deflections. The test results indicate that the use of FRP reinforcement leads to lower bond strengths and, therefore, require longer development lengths. The specimen crack widths and deflections were substantially larger for FRP specimens than steel specimens due to the significantly lower modulus of elasticity. Analysis of the test results resulted in recommendations for modifying the empirical development length equation of ACI 318- 99 design code for use with FRP reinforcement. For the shear investigation, two series of beam tests were conducted on specimens reinforced with steel, glass FRP, and aramid FRP to determine the effect of the different types of reinforcement on the concrete shear strength. All specimens did not contain transverse reinforcement. The test results indicate that the use of FRP reinforcement leads to lower concrete shear strengths than steel reinforcement for equal reinforcement cross-sectional areas (longitudinal reinforcement percentages). Analysis of the test results resulted in recommendations for the calculation of concrete shear strength. Based on the findings of this research, design and construction recommendations are provided that can be used for the design and construction of FRP reinforced bridge decks