Recently,
glass FRP (GFRP) bars have been widely used as internal reinforcement for
concrete bridge deck slabs
subjected to harsh environmental and
loading conditions due to their lower cost compared to other kinds of FRPs. There is a
lack of data on the performance of FRP-
reinforced concrete structural members
subjected to cyclic fatigue loading. This research is designed to investigate
both the fatigue behavior and life of concrete bridge deck slabs entirely
reinforced with GFRP bars. A total of five full-scale deck slabs (3000×2500×200
mm) were constructed and tested under concentrated cyclic loading until
failure. Different scheme of variable amplitude cyclic loading as well as
different reinforcement types (steel and GFRP), ratios and configurations for
top and bottom reinforcement in both directions were investigated. Results are
presented in terms of deflections, strains in concrete and FRP bars and crack
widths at different levels of cyclic load.