Fibre reinforced polymer strengthening of the Sainte-Emelie-de-l'Energie bridge: design, instrumentation, and field testing

An experimental research project was undertaken to evaluate the need to str engthen existing reinforced concrete bridges belonging to the Ministere des Transports du Quebec. A typical bridge consisting of a single-span bridge with T-shaped sections was identified. Evaluation of the bridge showed that an increase in bending strength and shear strength would be necessary to s atisfy current loading conditions and code requirements. The increase in be nding strength was obtained by bonding carbon-reinforced composite material s to the underface of the beams, with fibres in the longitudinal direction. External U-shaped stirrups made of glass-reinforced composite materials we re installed on the outside faces of the beams in order to increase their s hear strength. This paper presents a selection of experimental results init ially obtained on T-section beams, scaled 1:3 with respect to the bridge un der consideration. The actual reinforcement scheme selected for the bridge is then presented, accompanied by comments on the construction process. Con ventional instrumentation and fibre optic sensors were incorporated to the repair work in order to evaluate the behaviour of the bridge, before and af ter strengthening. Initial results of this ongoing evaluation are presented here.