Concrete bridge components using stay-in-place structural forms for rapid construction

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Canada is facing not only a fiscal crisis but also an infrastructure crisis. About 32% of Ontario's 15,000 bridges need rehabilitation or replacement. In Québec, this percentage is 52%, with an estimated cost of $5B. This project introduces a new technology for rapid bridge construction that is simple and durable for longer service life. Readily available fiberglass sections will be used as open-forms for concrete casting of bridge decks. They will be left in place permanently, providing reinforcement that replaces the bottom layer of internal steel bars. Fiberglass bars will be used as the top layer of reinforcement. Corrosion of steel bars is a major contributor to the looming infrastructure crisis. Because fiberglass forms are left in place and are noncorrosive, the project promises solutions for major problems: traffic delays and road closures that hurt the economy; accessibility for removal of forms after concrete hardening, and bridge deck exposure to deicing salts. 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 promise 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. He is now a leader in the field, holding a Canada Research Chair. He will also extend this work to develop and study new traffic-sign structures and bridge pillars. During the funding period, 6 PhD and 6 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. The applicant's former grad students were hired by top industries, including McCormick R., Delcan and MTO (bridges), Halsall (buildings), and 2 became university professors.