Oral Presentation Ninth International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering 2025

Inspection guide for FRP reinforced/strengthened concrete elements (109047)

Armin Mehrabi 1 , Pranit Malla 1 , Seyed Saman Khedmatgozar Dolati 1 , Jesus Ortiz 2 , Antonio Nanni 2
  1. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International University , Miami, Florida, United States
  2. Civil and Architectural Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials have been mostly implemented for strengthening and repairing existing structures in the form of an externally bonded system, i.e., sheet, jacket, near surface mounted. Furthermore, they have been recently utilized as internal reinforcement of concrete elements in the form of strands, bars, tendons, etc. The higher durability and better performance associated with the FRP material compared to steel promises major improvement in the life cycle of concrete elements. Nevertheless, concerns remain regarding potential damages and defects in this material, many of which are related to their unique features. Hence, as it is the case for other materials, FRP reinforced/strengthened concrete (FRP-RSC) elements need to be inspected regularly to allow effective maintenance during their service life. Due to the absence of established inspection guide and procedures for FRP-RSC, decision makers and bridge owners have been somehow reluctant for using FRP in their structures. This has to some extent dampened the expected rise in the application of FRP in concrete elements despite the very advantages and improvements they offer. A recent study sponsored by the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) aims at addressing this shortcoming. This study first determined all possible or potential damages and anomalies attributed to FRP-RSC elements. It then investigated inspection methods that can be applicable to the inspection of FRP reinforced/strengthened concrete (FRP-RSC). Finally, it provided a framework for in-service inspection of FRP-RSC elements applicable to buildings and bridges. The study recommended adding FRP as new material to the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Element Inspection (MBEI) and developed accompanying inspection aids and condition states for inclusion in the manual. It also developed condition rating tables and examples proposed for inclusion in the FHWA Specification for National Bridge Inventory (SNBI) as well as guidance for load rating of structures with FRP-RSC bridge elements. By providing the inspection community with more clarity in the application of inspection methods to FRP and development of comprehensive inspection processes aided by visual charts and examples, this study allows evaluation of the performance and condition assessment of FRP-RSC elements, therefore, drives the proliferation of FRP applications in concrete structures.