Extension of bridge cap beams with CFRP composites: experimental investigation

Abstract

Abstract As rapid increase of traffic volume, bridge widening has been extensively conducted and studied. Compared to conventional method, such as costructing new bridge piers, extension of cap beam offers a more economical solution for limited amount of bridge widening. This paper presents and experimental investigation of extended pier cap beams reinforced with various Carbon fiber reiforced polymer (CFRP) systems. Four quarter-scaled hammer headed RC cap beams were cast and tested. Failure mode and load-displacement response were evaluated and reported. It was observed that the extened and CFRP reinforced beams exhibited good structural behavior in terms of ultimate strength, stifness and ductility.