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1 Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is becoming a recognized alternative to tradi- tional construction materials in a wide range of civil engineering applications. An example of such applications is the use of CFRP cables or bars as prestressing tendons for concrete bridge girders, especially in aggressive environments where steel prestressing strands are susceptible to corrosion. Compared to conventional prestressing steel, CFRP has the advantages of high strength-to-weight and high stiffness-to-weight ratios, and resistance to electrochemical corrosion. Despite their promise, CFRP prestressing tendons have not frequently been used for bridge construction in the United States; their use has been hampered by the lack of recognized design specifications. This report describes the research conducted under NCHRP Project 12-97, âGuide Specifications for the Design of Concrete Bridge Beams Prestressed with CFRP Systems,â to develop design guidelines for the use of prestressing CFRP materials in prestressed concrete bridge girders. The proposed guidelines and research findings are expected to advance and facilitate the use of CFRP systems in bridge applications. To help implement these design guidelines, material specifications were also prepared. The specifications are supported by a commentary explaining the background, rationale, and limitations of the provisions contained therein. In addition, five design examples that illustrate the step-by-step use of the proposed guide specifications are provided. The report concludes with a summary of the research findings and recommendations for future research. S U M M A R Y Design of Concrete Bridge Beams Prestressed with CFRP Systems
