Evaluation of New Rehabilitation Technology for Bridge Piers with Composite Materials
[ NCHRP 20-30 (NCHRP-IDEA) ]
Project Data
Staff Responsibility:
Dr. Inam Jawed
This project evaluated a bridge rehabilitation technology using glass fiber-reinforced fabric encasing on deteriorated bridge columns and piers. Laboratory test results showed significant increase in compressive strengths of concrete cylinders with composite wraps. The composite bond integrity under various environmental conditions was also established. The composite fabric rehabilitation technology was field tested in collaboration with the West Virginia DOT on Pond Creek Road bridge in Wood County, West Virginia. Three columns of the bridge were hand-wrapped with composite fabric (Figure 1), and three additional columns with composite shells. The repaired columns are being monitored for durability and bond integrity. Results todate show excellent performance. The final report is available from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS # PB2000-103402).
