One of the goals that the Innovative Bridge Research and Construction (IRBC) program, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), wishes to achieve through sponsored research projects is the concept of an economical, durable, short-span bridge that reduces construction time. Delaware County, Iowa took a step in that direction through the construction of a 64 ft. long bridge comprise...

This paper deals with the modeling of punching shear failure in reinforced concrete slabs using nonlinear finite element analysis. The 3D finite element analyses (FEA) were performed with the appropriate modeling of element size and mesh, and the constitutive modeling of concrete. The FE numerical models are validated by comparing with the experimental results obtained from tested specimens and...

This paper presents results of testing eccentrically loaded columns externally wrapped with two types of materials. Six cylindrical (205 mm diameter and 925 mm height) plain columns were cast and tested. Half of the columns were wrapped with GFRP and the other half with CFRP. All columns were tested by applying an axial load at 50 mm eccentricity. In each group (GFRP or CFRP wrapped) of columns...

a large number of bridges and buildings that are currently used, are made of slabs with opening. some of these buildings and bridges have been severely damaged because of natural disasters such as earthquake, storm and other effects such as materials fatigue and alkaline and corrosive agents. therefore, retrofitting and strengthening of these structures is essential and affordable. in this rese...

The failure of a reinforced concrete member strengthened with FRP laminates may be caused by crushing of concrete, rupture of FRP laminates, or by the de-lamination of the FRP sheet. Therefore, the effectiveness and failure mode of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets applied to beams and columns is related to the degree of adhesion of the epoxy to the concrete surface. When a peeling or de-la...