Prefabricated Bridge Spans Made of Concrete Reinforced with FRP Composites
摘要
Structures made of concrete reinforced with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites have been known for many years. The use of non-metallic reinforcement is, first of all, valued for its high corrosion resistance and high strength. Nowadays, FRP rebars are an easily available product on many markets. Yet, since designing procedures are not fully standardised and some technological issues exist, concrete reinforced with FRP remains a niche solution, and its potential remains untapped. To fully understand the challenge, we must therefore understand the substantial difference between reinforcement made of homogenous steel and various forms of FRPs characterised by anisotropic properties. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in devising and producing bridges with the use of FRP composites and on developed refined prefabrication technology, this paper presents design features of exemplary new prefabricated spans. Proprietary technology of innovative hollow-core cross-section exploits thin-walled laminates and FRP rebars to attain a lightweight monolithic element. When waiting for an update of Eurocode 2 with its annexe dedicated to FRP reinforcement, structural designing of the spans was performed according to the design by testing principle. Advanced prefabrication techniques made possible better use of FRP reinforcement members, as well as obtaining elements of sophisticated internal structure. The technology of prefabricated bridge spans made of concrete reinforced with FRPs offers accelerated erection time, longevity and low maintenance costs; therefore, it materialises the FRP potential in bridge construction. Eight built facilities prove the concept in technical and market terms.