Anchorage of Reinforced Concrete Parapets on Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bridge Decks

Abstract

An experimental investigation was conducted to develop an effective means of connecting glass fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge decks to conventional reinforced concrete parapets. Six full-scale subassemblies were studied under quasi-static loading; two examined a prototype system installed in eastern Pennsylvania, two evaluated an improved connection detail, and two evaluated rehabilitation for the structural system after impact. Poor fabrication of the FRP on the first specimen led to brittle fracture of the deck at 20% of the expected capacity. Five properly fabricated FRP decks were subsequently tested and remained undamaged up to the ultimate capacity of the parapet. The results indicate: (1) reliance on reinforcement-to-resin anchorage transfer mechanisms result in brittle pullout failure of parapet reinforcement from the decks; (2) use of headed reinforcement anchored in the bottom deck flange enhances the ductility of the system; and (3) external steel brackets can provide adequate strength and deformation capability when rehabilitating damaged parapets.