Retrofit of RC Bridge Pier with CFRP Advanced Composites

In situ lateral load tests of two bridge bents were conducted on Interstate 15 to determine the strength and ductility of an existing concrete bridge and the improvements that can actually be achieved using a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) advanced composite retrofit. The design of the advanced composite retrofit was developed based on rational guidelines for the columns, cap beam, and cap beam-column joints to double the displacement ductility of the as-built bent. The advanced composite was able to strengthen the cap beam-column joints effectively for an increase in shear stresses of 35%, while the peak lateral load capacity was increased by 16%. The displacement ductility was improved from 2.8 for the as-built bent to 6.3 for the retrofitted bent.