Crash Tests Evaluate Performance of GFRP Reinforced Bridge Rail (0-4138-S)

Corrosion of reinforcing steel in structural concrete has been and continues to be a problem in many reinforced concrete structures such as highway bridges. Ways of addressing the problem have been pursued with varying degrees of success. Recently, non-metallic reinforcing bars have been offered and are being studied as a solution for eliminating corrosion. The purpose of this project was to investigate the structural performance of a bridge rail constructed with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement and subjected to collision loads from full -scale crash tests. The project involved the design of GFRP reinforcement for a modified T202 bridge rail and deck overhang. A prototype bridge rail (with deck overhang) was constructed and subjected to two full-scale crash tests.