LONG TERM LOAD PERFORMANCE OF FRP REINFORCED GLULAM BRIDGE GIRDERS

The use of high-strength-fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) as a reinforcement for glulam bridge girders is now a commercial reality. To assist in the assessment of in-service characteristics of these new girders, a 49.6 m (162.8 ft) HS-25 highway bridge constructed in August 1995 was equipped with internal strain gauges for long-term load effects monitoring. This report represents the findings to-date from these tests. Further, the economic, environmental and maintenance advantages of reinforced glulams are presented.