Feasibility of Thermoplastic Composite Jackets for Bridge Impact Protection

Abstract

The research focused on the effects of low velocity impact loading on high-strength concrete confined by a prefabricated polypropylene jacket and comparing the results with similar specimens confined by carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. In order to accomplish this, both static and dynamic load tests were performed. Concrete cylinders were used for static loading. Twelve concrete cylinders were prepared for static load testing: three were plain concrete and used as control specimens, three were wrapped with one layer of unidirectional CFRP composites, and six were confined by the polypropylene jacket. The thickness of the polypropylene wrap was machined to different thicknesses; three