Extending the life of bridges

A summary is presented on the deployment over the past eighteen years of high performance materials in a number of bridges in Kentucky. The field applications range from: (1) a bridge deck in 1997 that is partially reinforced with glass FRP (GFRP) rebars; (2) a spread box prestressed concrete beam bridge constructed in 2001 and having a concrete deck reinforced entirely with 10 mm diameter carbon FRP rebars; (3) a three span prestressed concrete bridge retrofitted for shear using carbon fabric in 2001; (4) a four span reinforced concrete bridge slab on girder retrofitted for flexure using CFRP laminates in 2004 ; (5) repair of reinforced concrete bridge pedestals using carbon fabric in 2006; (6) a retrofit of the ends of prestressed concrete I-beams using carbon fabric; (7) retrofit of two multi-span bridges using high strength steel wire fabric in 2007; (8) retrofit of bridge piers and beams using 3-D carbon fabric since 2010, and (9) retrofit of bridge piers and beams using CFRP Rod Panels (CRP) since 2011. A discussion of the lessons learned along with recommendations will also be presented.