Overview of the design, fabrication & construction of CFRP prestressed concrete girder bridge

A structurally deficient and functionally obsolete two-span reinforced concrete girder bridge in Taylor County, Kentucky was replaced in 2015 with a single span precast prestressed concrete girder bridge. CFRP prestressing strands were used to pretension the girders and stainless steel rebars were used for shear and deck reinforcement. The use of a Precast Prestressed hybrid decked bulb T-beam allowed for accelerated bridge construction, while the non-corrosive nature of the prestressing and reinforcing elements results in a low maintenance bridge with an expected service life beyond a hundred years. Compared to bridge girders with prestressed steel strands, additional steps and considerations are involved in the design and fabrication process. Details are presented for the analysis, design, fabrication, and placement of the CFRP prestressed girders in the field.