Limit state design criteria for FRP strengthening of RC bridge components

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials provide novel, effective and potentially economical solutions for rehabilitating and strengthening existing reinforced and pre-stressed concrete bridges, buildings and other structures where deterioration has occurred or performance requirements have changed. FRP composites may be designed to act as external flexural, shear or confinement reinforcement to increase the load capacity of the strengthened structural components. This paper summarizes research to develop technical support for practical limit state (strength) design criteria for repair and strengthening of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete bridge elements for compression and/or flexure using externally bonded FRP composite systems. The limit state design criteria take uncertainties in structural strength and stiffness into account using structural reliability methods, and will support and enhance the use of FRP materials in civil construction by providing engineers with rational guidelines for repair and strengthening.