One
solution to the problem of deteriorating bridge decks is to replace or
rehabilitate them with innovative technologies such as
steel-free bridge decks
or decks
reinforced with fibre reinforced polymers.
Cantilevers are an integral
part of bridge decks and this paper outlines test results obtained from static
and
fatigue destructive
testing conducted at the University of Manitoba’s W.R.
McQuade Heavy Structures Laboratory. The bridge
deck contained cantilevers with
glass and carbon fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP and CFRP) and conventional
steel
reinforcement. Experimental results based on the testing of the GFRP and
steel reinforced cantilevers (testing on the CFRP cantilever has yet to be
completed) indicate that arching-action may be present. However, further
experimental investigation is required to better determine bending and arching
components in bridge deck cantilever behaviour. The results also indicate that
cumulative strain as a result of fatigue may prove to be an issue and may have
to be considered in bridge deck design. The paper also concludes that a
significant reduction in negative moment reinforcement is feasible and such a
reduction would lead to a considerable cost reduction associated with negative
moment reinforcement.
More abstracts about the STATIC AND FATIGUE INVESTIGATION OF BRIDGE DECK CANTILEVERS