BACKGROUND: Bonded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) systems have proven to be an economical means for the repair and strengthening of concrete bridge elements in many projects. The first edition of the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Design of Bonded FRP Systems for Repair and Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Elements, published in 2012, provides design tools for bridge elements subjected to flexure, shear and torsion, and combined axial force and flexure. However, many projects have been constructed and changes in the state of practice have occurred since the publication of these guide specifications. Also, during this period, substantial research on the different aspects of bonded FRP system applications has been performed. In addition, the current guide specifications are limited in scope (e.g., do not explicitly cover flanged sections, prestressed concrete elements, and FRP anchoring design). Because of these changes and limitations, there was a need for updating the guide specifications to recognize these issues and provide updated information and guidance on all aspects bonded FRP systems for repair and strengthening, including topics such as FRP near surface mounted applications, anchorage detailing, material specifications, and test requirements. The updated guide specifications will help highway agencies address relevant issues and improve the use of FRP systems for repair and strengthening applications.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to update the 2012 AASHTO Guide Specifications for Design of Bonded FRP Systems for Repair and Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Elements.

STATUS: Project is complete. The project proposed changes to the 2012 AASHTO Guide Specifications for Design of Bonded FRP Systems for Repair and Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Elements; these were provided to Technical Committee T-6 of the AASHTO Committee on Bridges and Structures (COBS) for consideration, and subsequent consideration by COBS at the committee's 2022 annual meeting--NCHRP Staff: Amir N. Hanna