Performance Evaluation of Bridge Retrofit Using Carbon FRP Cloth--Federal Aid Research Task No. 114

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) cloth will be used to strengthen/repair shear cracks in the concrete box beams ofthe bridge on KY 3297 over Little Sandy River in Carter County. The cracks have widened since they were first identified. Application ofthe CFRP cloth will provide additional load carrying capacity that is evidently needed in view of the continued growth of the cracks. Although this bridge spans a river rather than a road, it is anticipated that this method of repair and most certainly of strengthening will require less construction time than traditional methods. Consequently, the experience gained will provide an additional impetus for the employment ofthis material in locations where traffic congestion brought on by construction activities is of concern.