Engineers are increasingly turning to Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) to repair aging, corroded steel bridges because conventional methods are heavy, labor-intensive, and time-consuming. While CFRPs offer a high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, past research primarily tested ideal, smooth steel surfaces and unrepresentative environments rather than real-world, deteriorated structures.

This study evaluated how corrosion, pitting, hygrothermal aging, and chloride/environmental exposure affect the bond between steel and two types of CFRP (normal and ultra-high modulus) across laboratory tests and field sites in Virginia. It also evaluated fatigue performance and cost-effectiveness.

Infrastructure Assets: Bridge, Highway Assets
Resource Types: Research Report
Capabilities: Tools & Technology
Management Processes: Performance Based Planning & Programming