Demonstration of Advanced Composite Cables for Prestressing Applications in Concrete Waterfront Structures

Abstract

Corrosion of steel reinforced concrete in waterfront structures is a serious and costly infrastructure problem. Advanced composite materials such as glass fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) and carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) do not corrode, and are attractive potential replacements for steel reinforcement and prestressing materials. The objective of this research was to demonstrate the satisfactory performance and overall economy of using advanced composites as prestressing cables in concrete construction for Civil Works type structures in corrosive environments. Piles, a deck slab, and pile caps using advanced composite prestressing cables were designed, constructed, and tested for a demonstration pier at Port Hueneme, CA. The composite prestressing system used in the pier met or exceeded all applicable standards for steel prestressed concrete structures by the American Concrete Institute and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officers. Fabrication of the pier components required only minor procedural changes and quality control was fully effective. Composite cables cost more than steel cables, but the cost for prestressing materials represents only a small portion of total construction costs, and long term durability of the composite materials is expected to reduce overall life cycle costs in corrosive environments.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA338646

Entities

People

  • Richard G. Lampo
  • Srinivasa L. Iyer

Organizations

  • Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer
  • Carbon Fibers
  • Composite Materials
  • Construction
  • Fiber Reinforced Polymers
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanical Working
  • Performance Tests
  • Prestressed Concrete
  • Tensile Strength
  • Test And Evaluation

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Facility/Structural Engineering.
  • Pavement Materials Engineering.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.