Side‐by‐side long‐term performance assessment of GFRP ‐ and steel‐reinforced concrete bridge decks

Abstract

Abstract The corrosion‐induced deterioration of steel‐reinforced bridge decks is a service life concern, especially in cold regions, where the use of deicing chemicals is common. To address this issue, glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement has received growing attention, owing to the GFRP's resistance to conventional corrosion. However, the structural response of bridge decks reinforced with GFRP bars is still in need of exploration to build upon the available body of knowledge and facilitate the implementation of this reinforcement alternative. The current study contributes to this ultimate goal through a unique investigation, in which short‐ and long‐term performance characteristics of two side‐by‐side bridges, one reinforced with conventional steel and the other reinforced with GFRP, were assessed and compared. For this purpose, the bridge decks were instrumented with an array of sensors at the time of construction and monitored over more than 4 years. The recorded datasets were paired with regular visual inspections to capture crack development and growth. In addition, three sets of live load tests were conducted on both bridges to understand various structural response details, including neutral axis positions and girder distribution factors. A detailed life‐cycle cost analysis was also conducted to examine economic viability aspects. The results showed that the GFRP‐reinforced bridge deck provided a satisfactory structural response without any notable degradation over time, delivering performance characteristics comparable to those recorded for the steel‐reinforced bridge deck. The firsthand information obtained from the field provided original insights into the proper use of GFRP bars as an emerging alternative for bridge deck reinforcement, especially where the risk of chloride‐induced corrosion is high.