Safety Check Procedures of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Curbs for Bridge Slabs

The construction of new curbs or the replacement of existing ones is usually due to the need of installing safety or anti-noise barriers. Recent studies, developed by the authors and proven by experimental tests, have shown the effectiveness of a new technology, based on the use of high performance fiber reinforced concrete. This technology shows several advantages: a significant reduction in execution time of the curb and of installation of barriers elements, thanks to the rapid achievement of high resistance; lack of interference between barriers anchorages and reinforcement rebars. Aim of the study is the formulation of simplified procedures for the safety check of curb-slab systems, against the action of the vehicle impact, with reference to curbs rebuilding on existing reinforced concrete bridge slabs. Finally, safety check criteria of curbs, characterized by rectangular or L-shaped cross section, are proposed, based on both global and local behaviours.