Collaborative Proposal: Micro-Macro Modeling of the External Strengthening of Concrete with Fiber Reinforced Polymer

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0085015Based on 1992 data of the federal bridge inventory, about 39% of the nation's 576,665 bridges are structurally deficient due to long-term degradation. The use of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) retrofit is attractive but reliable predictive models and sound design guidelines for the use of FRP retrofit in civil infrastructure applications are needed. The objective of the project is to develop innovative short-term experiments that would allow the development of analytical models for accurate and reliable prediction of long-term performance of retrofitted highway bridge structures. Specifically, the interfacial bond between the concrete substrate and the FRP composite material used for external strengthening must remain durable for the specified lifetime over a range of mechanical loads, temperature cycles, moisture diffusion and de-icing salt ingress. Experiments and models that bridge several length scales will be used to develop basic understanding of delamination mechanisms and a predictive capability that can be used to for design guidelines. This is a collaborative research project between UT-Austin and U. of Missouri-Rolla.***