Performance of the TxDOT T202 (MOD) Bridge Rail Reinforced with Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars

The purpose of this project was to investigate the behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement in a concrete bridge rail when subjected to a vehicle collision. FRP reinforcement for a Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) T202 (MOD) bridge rail (now TXDOT T203 bridge rail) was designed, and the rail was subjected to two full-scale crash tests. Two design conditions were incorporated into the test article. One was based on strength immediately after construction, and the other was based on reduced strength after deterioration due to long-term exposure to the environment. In the first test, which was performed on the stronger section, structural performance of the rail was good, but the vehicle rolled and safety performance was unacceptable. For the second test, which was performed on the weaker section, the height of the rail was increased to 30 inches. Both structural and safety performance of the rail was good.