Comparative Experimental Performance of Bridge Deck Slabs with AFRP and Steel Precast Panels

AbstractFull-depth precast concrete panels expedite the construction process, enhance the safety and quality controls, and reduce the on-site labor requirements for bridge deck slab applications. However, corrosion-induced deterioration of conventional steel during the lifetime of the structure is a serious concern affecting the durability and serviceability of the deck panels. Although replacing conventional steel with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars has become more prevalent over the past few decades to overcome corrosion issues, there is still need for a comprehensive experimental study to investigate the constructability and structural performance of FRP concrete bridge deck slabs with precast panels at full scale. In this paper, a full-scale bridge deck slab consisting of full-depth precast panels reinforced and prestressed with aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) bars is experimentally investigated in terms of constructability and overall structural performance. It is then compared to a simil...