Demonstration Footbridges Made of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete and FRP Composites

Civil infrastructure systems play an important role in many countries and the world is now facing a major challenge to build safe and sound bridge systems with long-term durability and low maintenance cost. A solution to this challenge can be obtained by proper utilization of advanced materials and innovative hybrid structural systems. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) were used in this study to build light-weight, sustainable and cost-effective footbridges that can be applied in high-corrosive environments. The primary objective of this paper is to present case studies of two demonstration FRP-composite footbridges in Japan. The use of FRP-composite components (i.e. slabs, girders, handrails, cross-beams, etc.) in these bridges resulted in reduced self-weight and durable superstructure system. The two footbridges were designed and constructed based on the results of an extensive experimental program and theoretical/numerical analyses. The major components of the first bridge was composed of all-FRP materials. This bridge was assembled and erected in Hiroshima, Japan in 2011 to replace an existing deteriorated steel bridge. Following the successful construction of the first entire- FRP bridge, the second bridge was designed and fabricated in Miyagi, Japan in 2012 to enhance the strength and stiffness of the first bridge. The bridge consists of FRP-composite girders and ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) deck slabs. An overview of the two demonstration footbridges is discussed in the following sections.

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