Full-Scale Bending Test Study for PC Hollow Slab Girder Using UHPFRC and Composite Reinforcement Techniques

Abstract

Ultra-high performance fiber reinforced cementitious (UHPFRC) and composite reinforcement techniques have great potential in achieving efficient structural resistance recovery and overall performance enhancement. The goal of this study is to confirm the reinforcement effectiveness by conducting test and analytical studies for three full-scale prestressed concrete hollow slab girders with insufficient bending capacity and stiffness. In this full-scale test study, four-point loading was adopted for one of the test girders before reinforcement to acquire the residual bending performance. Reinforcement measures were then carried out for all three test girders, including a composite concrete (or UHPFRC) layer for the top flange and a steel plate–concrete (or UHPFRC) composite reinforcement for the bottom flange, and bending tests were conducted after reinforcement. Based on the test results, simplified analytical models were developed and empirical equations were proposed for test girders after reinforcement. The present study has proved the effectiveness of UHPFRC and composited reinforcement measures in improving capacity, stiffness, and guarantee of durability comprehensively.