Comparative Experimental Performance of Bridge Deck Slabs with AFRP and Steel Precast Panels

Abstract

Full-depth precast concrete panels expedite the construction process, enhance the safety and quality controls, and reduce the on-site labor requirements for bridge deck slab applications. However, corrosion-induced deterioration of conventional steel during the lifetime of the structure is a serious concern affecting the durability and serviceability of the deck panels. Although replacing conventional steel with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars has become more prevalent over the past few decades to overcome corrosion issues, there is still need for a comprehensive experimental study to investigate the constructability and structural performance of FRP concrete bridge deck slabs with precast panels at full scale. In this paper, a full-scale bridge deck slab consisting of full-depth precast panels reinforced and prestressed with aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) bars is experimentally investigated in terms of constructability and overall structural performance. It is then compared to a similar system but reinforced with conventional steel and prestressing strand, deemed as the control specimen. The experimental results show the applicability of the proposed system having acceptable strength and serviceability per AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and considerable deformability, when compared to the conventional system.