Abstract
The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the structural performance and susceptibility to deformation of a concrete bridge deck with corrosion-resistant reinforcing (CRR) bars (i.e., bars that exhibit better corrosion resistance than traditional black steel when embedded in concrete). Flexural tests of one-way slabs were conducted to simulate negative transverse flexure over a bridge girder as assumed in the commonly used strip design method. Grade 60 (uncoated), epoxy-coated reinforcing Grade 60, Enduramet 32 stainless steel, 2304 stainless steel, MMFX2, and glass fiber–reinforced polymer bars were studied. The experimental program was designed to evaluate how flexural performance at service and ultimate limit states are affected by a one-to-one replacement of Grade 60 with CRR bars, a reduction of concrete top clear cover, and a reduction in rebar quantities in the top mat of the bridge deck. Moment–curvature predictions from Response 2000, a computer-based sectional analysis program, were consistent with the test results. This consistency demonstrated the viability of Response 2000 for use with high-strength and nonmetallic rebar without a defined yield plateau. The susceptibility of the specimens of concrete slab strips to deformation was defined with ultimate- to service-level ratios of midspan deflection and curvature. The susceptibility to deformation of the specimens of MMFX2 and Enduramet 32 stainless steel (one-to-one replacement) was consistent with the Grade 60 controls; this consistent response demonstrated that bridge deck slabs with high-strength rebar without a defined yield plateau still can provide sufficient ductility at an ultimate limit state. A reduction in rebar quantity and cover provided acceptable levels of ductility for the specimens of 2304 stainless steel and MMFX2-reinforced slabs.
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