Innovative design and solutions for improved performance of bridges and structures

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The proposed research aims at providing innovative solutions for improved performance of concrete bridgesand building structures. The focus will be on the following projects:1) Development of Corrosion-Free Bridge System: An innovative system for short- and medium-span bridges is proposed. The superstructure is built entirely from materials that are not vulnerable to corrosion. It consists of precast prestressed concrete truss girders and a concrete deck slab. The girders have top and bottom concrete flanges connected by precast vertical and/or diagonal truss members made of concrete-filled fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes. The system has the advantages of reduced self-weight and enhanced durability, which allow for longer spans, reduction in the initial and maintenance cost and an extended life span of the structure. The objective is to investigate an optimum design. Computer modelling will be implemented to determine the optimum girder dimensions and reinforcement. Large-scale girder specimens will be fabricated and tested under static and fatigue loading and for long-term effects in order to verify the optimum design. The long-term objective is to develop guidelines and procedures for design and construction of the new system.2) Enhancement of Precast Girders Using External Prestressing: It is proposed to enhance the efficiency ofU-shaped precast girders by reducing the web thickness and using external prestressing. Both analytical andexperimental investigations will be carried out to achieve optimum and more economical bridge design.3) Efficient Reinforcing of Beam-Column Joints for Earthquake Loads: Design codes require large volume oftransverse reinforcement in the joint region, leading to congestion, difficulties in construction and weak joints.It is proposed to use studs with double heads which have superior anchorage properties to ties and stirrups andcan provide better confinment and, hence better ductility and strength to the joint. Both analytical andexperimental studies will be carried out to determine the optimum layout of stud reinforcemnt within the joint.