Potential Retrofit Methods for Concrete Channel Beam Bridges Using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Abstract

The structural response of deteriorated channel beam bridge girders and channel beam bridge decks with and without glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) retrofit is found from design calculations, experimental load testing, and finite element analysis. Two different types of GFRP retrofit materials are investigated including a traditional fabric wrap and a new spray material. The effects of GFRP retrofit on channel beam bridge girder and channel beam bridge structural parameters are summarized and the accuracy of design calculation methods for quantifying structural response of channel beam bridge girders retrofit with GFRP is determined.