Development of a Cost-Effective Structural FRP Stay-In-Place Formwork System for Accelerated and Durable Bridge Deck Construction

The research presented in this paper describes the evolution of a cost-effective, structural Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) stay-in-place (SIP) formwork bridge deck system integrated with a modular three-dimensional FRP reinforcement cage. Recent research conducted at the University of Wisconsin is reviewed to show the evolution of the reinforcing system to include a FRP SIP formwork system. The evolution of the system occurred through the laboratory testing, design and construction of two Wisconsin state-owned bridge structures. Each structure utilized different FRP reinforcing and formwork systems. These projects pointed out the need for a competitive SIP formwork system to be used in conjunction with a FRP reinforcement system. Two specimens with different systems of reinforcement and SIP formwork were tested. Fullscale bridge deck slab specimens were tested by applying a simulated wheel design load in order to investigate the static load performance, ultimate capacity and failure mechanism. The most economical FRP reinforcing system will be implemented into a superstructure replacement project in Greene County, Missouri. Ringelstetter, T., Bank, L., Oliva, M., Russell, J., Matta, F., Nanni, A. 3