Demonstration and Validation of a Composite Grid Reinforcement System for Bridge Decks
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) maintains a large array of road networks that include vehicular bridges. Moving people, materials, and equipment is critical to the DoD mission. Many of these bridges are in dire need of major repairs or replacement due to corrosion and material degradation. The application of corrosion-resistant technology can extend the service life of bridges and reduce maintenance costs. This DoD Corrosion Prevention and Control Program project demonstrated and validated the performance characteristics of the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite, three-dimensional Gridform product for reinforcing concrete bridge decks that was designed to solve many of the installation and life-cycle problems associated with steel-reinforced bridge decks. The Gridform technology replaced the existing steel-reinforced concrete deck on one span of Bridge No. 4 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The newly replaced spans performance was compared to a second span that was newly replaced with a concrete deck using traditional steel rebar reinforcement. Structural testing and corrosion monitoring and analysis of the bridge was performed. Results show that using Gridform technology could provide needed load capacity and improved corrosion protection for DoD bridges, while maintaining structural capability. The technology's return on investment (ROI) is 10.31.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1025128
Entities
People
- Christopher Olaes
- James Wilcoski
- Larry Clark
- Richard G. Lampo
- Steven C. Sweeney