Strengthening of Off-System Bridges with Mechanically Fastened Pre-Cured FRP Laminates

ABSTRACT

The Mechanically Fastened-FRP (MF-FRP) strengthening system has recently emerged as a practical alternative for strengthening RC structures. It consists of precured FRP strips having high longitudinal bearing strength attached to the concrete surface using closely spaced steel fasteners in the form of nails or concrete wedge anchors. Resin can be used as gap filler between the concrete, the strip and the fastener. This paper presents the application of MF-FRP composites to strengthen several rural bridges with flexural deficiencies located in Missouri. The efficiency of the strengthening technique was demonstrated in terms of structural performances, and costs, labor and time savings.