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Abstract


The main objective of this study was to develop a nonferrous hybrid reinforcement system for concrete bridge decks by using continuous fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)rebars and discrete randomly distributed polypropylene fibers. This hybrid system hasthe potential to eliminate problems related to corrosion of steel reinforcement whileproviding requisite strength, stiffness, and desired ductility, which are shortcomingsof the FRP reinforcement system in reinforced concrete structures. The overall study plan includes (1) development of design procedures for anFRP/FRC hybrid reinforced bridge deck system; (2) laboratory studies of static andfatigue bond performances and ductility characteristics of the system; (3) accelerateddurability tests of the hybrid system; and (4) static and fatigue tests on full-scale hybrid reinforced composite bridge decks. This paper presents the results relating to the flexural behavior of the polypropylene-fiber-reinforced-concrete beams reinforcedwith FRP rebars. Test results indicated that with the addition of fibers, the flexuralbehavior was improved with an increase of ductility index by approximately 40% ascompared to the plain concrete beams. Crack widths of FRP/FRC were found to besmaller than those of FRP/plain concrete system and the values predicted by thecurrent ACI 440 equations. Furthermore, the compressive failure strains of concrete inFRP/FRC beams exceed thestrain of 0.0040 mm/mm.


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