Researchers Develop Improved Method for Strengthening, Extending Life of Bridges

Posted: Jan 28, 2020

Research at the University of Colorado Denver on reinforcing concrete members like bridge girders may lead to longer-lasting and safer bridges. The researchers developed an improved method for bonding carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) to structural concrete members to strengthen them. The method uses grooves to interrupt the progress of stress through the CFRP and reduce debonding (peeling), a common problem that occurs when CFRP-reinforced members are placed under heavy loads. The approach reduces the cost of common repair and strengthening approaches and will likely extend the life of bridge members and other concrete structural elements because no corrosion-prone metallic anchorage is necessary.

Yail Jimmy Kim, Ph.D.
University of Colorado Denver

Composite-Based Rehabilitation of Constructed Bridge Girders with Grooved Geometrics
MPC-19-402