Improving the performance of ground-supported slabs subjected to extreme environmental conditions using rigid high strength fiberglass geogrids

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A problem of growing concern is the fast deterioration of structural elements placed directly on the ground and subjected to harsh outdoor environmental conditions. For example, sidewalks are typically made out of concrete slabs that are usually exposed to extreme weather and corrosive conditions (e.g. de-icing salts in winter). There are about 100,000 km of sidewalks in Canada with about 20 percent in need of replacement in a given year at an estimated cost of more than $1 billion. Municipal financial resources are limited and there are insufficient funds to keep pace with the deteriorating infrastructure. The standard practice is to build most concrete sidewalks using unreinforced or nominally steel-reinforced for crack-width control. However, the presence of chemicals containing chlorides, found in de-icing salt, ocean water, marine air, etc., can attack the bonds that hold concrete together and contribute to steel corrosion. Attempts have been made in the past to use conventional polymeric geogrid as concrete reinforcement material, however, the ductile nature of polymeric geogrid resulted in excessive deformation and overall poor performance.Titan Environmental Containment Ltd. is teaming up with McGill University to investigate the efficiency of using high strength fiberglass (ConForce) geogrid material to reinforce ground-supported concrete structures. Supported by Alliance grant, this project will pave the way for other geogrid-reinforced applications and promote more university collaboration. Preliminary index tests performed at McGill University indicated that the induced strain at failure is about 1%, which is about one-seventh of that of polymeric geogrid. In addition, the results of pilot field tests done by Titan on new sidewalks in Alberta showed promising results. It is expected that the results of this study will help engineers in designing more sustainable ground supported structures. This study is of importance to Canada as the proposed construction approach could significantly enhance the service life of these structures.This research grant will contribute to the training of one PhD, one MSc, and two undergraduate students.