Residual Strength of Bridge Deck Following Rolling Load Fatigue

This chapter delves into the residual strength of bridge decks reinforced with glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) after undergoing 3 million fatigue cycles. The study focuses on two key areas: the performance of GFRP stay-in-place (SIP) form systems and GFRP rebar reinforcements. Through extensive testing using the Rolling Load Simulator (ROLLS) at Queen’s University, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of the residual ultimate load capacity of these sections. The findings reveal that both the SIP form section and the GFRP rebar section failed by punching shear, with the SIP form section exhibiting a slightly higher residual strength due to its higher reinforcement ratio. The chapter also explores the material properties of GFRP bars, I-beams, and planks, as well as the concrete mix used in the study. The experimental results, including load-deflection and load-strain curves, offer valuable insights into the behavior of these materials under fatigue loading. This study is particularly noteworthy for its detailed examination of full-scale bridge deck sections and its comparison of different reinforcement configurations, making it a crucial resource for professionals in the field of bridge construction and maintenance.