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S U M M A R Y Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites now are being used to strengthen or to upgrade the load-carrying capacity of a wide range of bridge structures. These materials must offer tech- nical and economical advantages in order to be successful in the highly competitive construc- tion marketplace. While FRP composites increasingly are being used in combination with traditional construction materials for rehabilitation of existing structures, codes, and standards for structural condition assessment, evaluation and rehabilitation of bridge structures using composite materials do not exist as of yet. Design information for most FRP composite materi- als has been developed mainly by the composites industry. This report summarizes the research conducted in NCHRP Project 10-73 to develop a recom- mended guide specification for the design of externally bonded FRP composite systems for repair and strengthening of reinforced and prestressed concrete highway bridge elements. This infor- mation will facilitate the use of FRP materials in strengthening reinforced concrete and pre- stressed bridge elements by providing bridge engineers with a rational basis for such use. The research produced a recommended Guide Specification for the Design of Bonded FRP Reinforce- ment Systems for Repair and Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Elements. This Guide Specification is presented in a format resembling that of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 4th Edition (2007) in order to facilitate their consideration and adoption by the AASHTO. The rec- ommended Guide Specification is accompanied by commentaries that explain the background, applicability, and limitations of the provisions contained therein. Included also are step-by-step calculations in accordance with the recommended Guide Specification for six examples of com- monly used FRP strengthening applications. These examples would serve as a tutorial on how to approach bridge strengthening projects in practice. The report concludes with suggestions for implementing the guide specification and recom- mendations for further research to support future revisions and enhancements of the recom- mended guide specification. Recommended Guide Specification for the Design of Externally Bonded FRP Systems for Repair and Strengthening of Concrete Bridge Elements 1
