ABSTRACT
In the last decade, there has been a rapid increase in using noncorrosive fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) reinforcing composite bars for concrete structures due to enhanced properties and costeffectiveness. The FRP bars have been used extensively in different applications such as bridges, parking garages, water tanks, tunnels and marine structures in which the corrosion of steel reinforcement has typically led to significant deterioration and rehabilitation needs. Many significant developments from the manufacturer, various researchers and Design Codes along with numerous successful installations have led to a much higher comfort level and exponential use with designers and owners. After years of investigation and implementations, public agencies and regulatory authorities in North America has now included FRP as a premium corrosion resistant reinforcing material in its corrosion protection policy. Currently, AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code contain design provisions for the design of concrete bridge members reinforced with FRP bars. As a result, well over 500 bridges across Canada and USA have been designed and constructed using FRP bars. This paper presents a summary and overview of different recent field applications of FRP bars in different types of civil engineering concrete infrastructures.
