Structural Rehabilitation of Deteriorated Post-Tensioned Concrete Bridge Cantilever Wing Slabs Utilizing Post-Tensioned CFRP Rods

Abstract

In this thesis, the structural rehabilitation of a deteriorated post-tensioned concrete cantilever wing slab with post-tensioned CFRP rods is investigated. The goal of this research was two-fold: First, to determine the viability and suitability of a proposed mechanical strengthening system for post-tensioning CFRP Rods. Second, to evaluate the performance and feasibility of utilizing post-tensioned CFRP rods to rehabilitate a deteriorated post-tensioned concrete bridge cantilever slab. To achieve the first goal, a proposed mechanical split wedge and barrel anchor was machined in-house for a #3 (10 mm) CFRP rod. The CFRP anchor was utilized to strengthen an experimental PT concrete bridge cantilever slab specimen. Two half-scale bridge cantilever slab specimens were fabricated and cast. One specimen served as the steel control emulating nominal existing conditions. The second specimen served as the CFRP rehabilitation emulating simulated damage and subsequent PT CFRP rehabilitation. The proposed CFRP rehabilitation restored the lost structural capacity.