A new carbon FRP bar for concrete bridge decks

The paper presents results of an on-going research project at the Universite de Sherbrooke. The main objective of this research project is to evaluate the performance of a new generation of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) bars used as reinforcement for concrete bridge deck slabs in particular, and for concrete structures in general. In order to optimize the physical and mechanical properties of this new CFRP bar, several types of Carbon FRP bars having differents fibre/resin combinations have been tried. Furthermore, a new sand-coating manufacturing process has been introduced to enhance the bond with concrete. The selection and optimization of the suitable reinforcing FRP bar were made based on the processing and manufacturing techniques in collaboration with the manufacturer and on the results of tensile tests, pullout bond tests, durability tests under sustained loading and in alkaline environments and flexural tests performed on reinforced concrete beams.