Ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete for strengthening and protecting bridge deck slabs

An original concept is presented for the durable rehabilitation of concrete bridge deck slabs. The main idea is to add a layer of Ultra-High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) with or without steel reinforcing bars over the concrete slab to create a composite section. The layer of UHPFRC strengthens the structural element for high traffic loads. Experimental studies on composite beams and slabs were carried out to study their behavior under various types of loading and identify the failure modes and the contribution of the UHPFRC layer to the resistance. Analytical models were then developed to calculate the resistance of composite beams. The concept has been validated by field applications demonstrating that the technology of UHPFRC is mature for cast in-situ.