Utilization of high strength concrete for offshore applications

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The current research proposal is focused on the development and optimization of a new crack design criteria and minimum reinforcement suitable for high strength concrete with thick concrete cross sections, thick concrete covers, large diameter reinforcement and relatively high reinforcement ratios. Offshore structures are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to seawater and sea spray or the structure's existence in the splash zone. An accurate estimate of the crack width and steel reinforcement can result in saving estimated to be in millions of dollars for a single platform. Most of the available expressions for crack width calculations were developed for building structures using normal strength concrete and normal concrete cover. However, offshore structures are built using high strength concrete with thick concrete sections up to 500 mm with 50 - 60 mm concrete cover. Very little research information is published on the crack analysis of high strength concrete with thick concrete section and large concrete cover used for offshore applications. The proposed numerical phase of the investigation will examine mechanisms associated with tension and flexure cracking. Other factors that affect crack width and spacing of cracks under sustained service loads will be examined. Previous important investigations conducted by the applicant on high strength concrete for offshore applications will be utilized to evaluate accurately the cracking properties of offshore structures.High strength concrete reinforced with glass fiber reinforcement (GFRP) bars has great potential for offshore applications. The utilization of glass bars in panel-type structures requires better understanding of its cracking and tensile behaviour. The use of a non-corrosive material for concrete reinforcement will improve the structure durability and will provide great economical advantage. The current investigation will examine concrete plates reinforced with GFRP bars under uniaxial, biaxial and flexure loads. A constitutive relationship that can describe the response of the GFRP-reinforced concrete panels is being investigated.