Grant: Discovery Launch Supplement

Structural infrastructure in Canada is deteriorating at rates exceeding our ability to replace or repair them. This is attributed to both manmade and natural factors, such as poor construction practices, vulnerable construction materials, severe cold weather, and aging. In addition, the climate change crisis exacerbates infrastructure deterioration due to extreme weather events, such as wildland fires. Therefore, there is an urgent need for developing sustainable solutions to infrastructure deterioration. Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have emerged as a sustainable reinforcement material for reinforced concrete (RC) structures due to their non-corrodible nature. However, the potential of utilizing FRP reinforcement in the RC construction industry remains largely unfulfilled due to concerns regarding several aspects of behaviour, including the punching and fire response of FRP-RC structures. This proposal describes an innovative research program aimed at developing advanced techniques to enhance the resiliency of RC infrastructure utilizing FRP reinforcement. The primary focus of the proposed research program is to insightfully examine the performance of FRP-RC bridge deck slabs under different loading conditions, cover broader fundamental and applied aspects of behaviour, and provide necessary design recommendations currently missing in existing design codes. The short-term objectives of this research program are to (1) optimize the performance of RC bridge deck slabs at ambient temperature utilizing different innovative materials, (2) assess the fire response of GFRP-RC bridge deck slab and examine their residual post-fire behaviour, (3) provide techniques to enhance the bond performance of GFRP reinforcement in bridge deck slabs at elevated temperature. These objectives will be achieved by conducting a multi-faceted research program utilizing experimental testing and analytical modelling. The experimental testing will comprise mechanical testing at ambient temperature in addition to fire endurance testing. The proposed research program will utilize and take advantage of Lakehead University Fire Testing and Research Laboratory (LUFTRL). This state-of-the-art large-scale fire testing facility is the only such facility in a Canadian University. Full-scale and large-scale RC specimens will be constructed and tested to failure under ambient or elevated temperature conditions to assess and quantify the contribution of several innovative materials, such as discrete basalt fibres in fibre-reinforced concrete, lightweight concrete, and headed GFRP bars. In addition, rigorous analytical studies using sophisticated finite element modelling techniques will be conducted to expand the experimental studies and cover a wider range of critical parameters. The outcomes of this research will leverage the implementation of FRP reinforcement in the RC construction industry and will improve the resiliency of Canadian infrastructure.