Retrofit and Renovation of Concrete Bridges with Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP): The Third Alternative

¹ Royal HaskoningDHV, Bridge Engineer, International Co-Ordinator: Structures Knowledge Group, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
² Royal HaskoningDHV, Bridge Engineer, Amsterdam, Netherlands
³ Royal HaskoningDHV, Bridge Engineer, Nijmegen, Netherlands
⁴ Stellenbosch University, Head, Division of Structural Engineerin with Fibreg and Civil Engineering Informatics, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

^* Corresponding author: gerrit.visser@rhdhv.com

Abstract

This paper presents Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) as a third alternative construction material worth considering when retrofitting a bridge structure. FRP offers the following advantages: lighter than steel and concrete, non-corrosive, low in maintenance, stronger than structural steel and fatigue resistant. FRP has been used in Europe and more specifically in the Netherlands for almost 20 years in the retrofitting of road bridges, in new pedestrian bridges, road bridges and lock doors for sluices. The Netherlands has recently developed the updated Dutch Design Code CUR Recommendation 96, which was published in December 2017. The CUR Recommendation 96 will form the basis for developing the Eurocode FRP which is expected to be published between 2020 and 2025. The use of FRP in retrofitting of bridges is presented using examples which demonstrate how existing concrete decks, and steel and concrete substructures could be retained by the use of FRP in the retrofitting solution. Due to FRP being a relatively unknown material within the South African bridge design field, the authors have embarked on an awareness campaign targeting academics, government bodies, suppliers, manufacturers and contractors, with the aim of presenting FRP as a third alternative construction material in the South African bridge fraternity.