Test Model for the First Canadian Smart Highway Bridge

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic tendons (CFRP) were used for the first time in Canada to pretension six girders of a concrete highway bridge. The bridge was constructed using 13 T-bulb section pretensioned precast concrete girders in each span. Continuity of the two spans was achieved by using post-tensioned steel tendons extending along the entire length of the bridge. This paper reports on an experimental study to examine the behavior of four pretensioned concrete T-beams of the same span-depth ratio as the bridge girders. The beams were tested to examine the various limit state behaviors, ultimate capacities, and failure modes. Two beams were tested in static, and two were tested under cyclic loading. After completion of 2 million cycles, the beams were loaded to failure to evaluate the effect of fatigue loading on the behavior of the beams. Predicted values based on the compatibility and equilibrium approach, and measured values, are compared and discussed. The authors propose a ductility model for beams prestressed by FRP tendons. Design recommendations and construction details of concrete beams prestressed by CFRP tendons are presented.