Structurally integrated stay-in-place composite forms for concrete structures

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About 32% of Ontario's 15,000 bridges need rehabilitation or replacement. In Québec, this percentage is 52%, with an estimated cost of $5B over the next 10 years. This project introduces a new technology that will change the way we build bridges and other infrastructure by enabling much faster and simpler construction and a longer design life. Readily available fiberglass sections and plates will be used as open forms for concrete casting in bridge decks, parking garages and marine platforms. They are then left in place permanently, providing reinforcement that fully or partially replaces internal steel bars. Corrosion of steel bars is a major contributor to the looming infrastructure crisis. Because the forms are left in place and are noncorrosive, the project promises solutions for major problems such as traffic delays and road closures that hurt the economy, durability as in bridge decks exposed to deicing salts, and accessibility for removal of forms after concrete hardening. Structural models will be built using this technology and tested to failure in the lab, to evaluate their performance, strength and failure mode. Mathematical models will be developed, verified using test results and used in parametric studies to develop design guides for engineers. Indeed, results of the project promises substantial savings in tax dollars spent on infrastructure repair or replacement, allowing these funds to be used in other investments to improve quality of life for Canadians. The applicant has extensively studied concrete filled fiberglass tubes as closed forms for piles, columns or poles. He is now considered a leader and holds a Canada Research Chair in this area. He will also extend this work to include bridge column joints and highway signage. During the funding period, 2 PhD and 5 MSc students will be trained as future engineers capable of transferring technology from the lab to the field with confidence and enthusiasm. Training involves critical thinking, problem solving, hands-on experience, lab testing, data analysis, computer modeling, technical writing, presenting, team work and networking. Former grad. students of the applicant are hired by some of the top companies/agencies, including Delcan Corp and MTO (bridges) and Carl Walker Inc (parking structures)