Design and Field Evaluation of Hybrid FRP/Reinforced Concrete Superstructure System

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymers offer several advantages over conventional construction materials but are also faced with several challenges. These include increased first cost, relatively low stiffness, and a lack of field experience. To address these challenges and to advance the state of the art, a hybrid fiber reinforced polymer/reinforced concrete bridge was designed and constructed in Texas. The bridge design and field evaluation are unique in several respects. Design considerations, the bid process, and the results of intermittent live load evaluations that have been conducted over a period of approximately 2 years are presented. Recommendations for the design of future similar bridges are provided.