Structural performance evaluation of ECC link slabs reinforced with FRP bars for jointless bridge decks

Deterioration of traditional mechanical expansion joints significantly affects the durability of bridge structures. Engineered cementitious composites have been proposed as an alternative to expansion joints in bridge decks. ECC link slabs were cast and tested under monotonic cyclic loading. Link slabs, reinforced with fibre-reinforced polymer bars, demonstrated sufficient flexibility to meet the current design protocols. Nonlinear finite element models were constructed based on the experimental data. Depth-span ratio and reinforcement ratio of such link slabs must not exceed 0.12 and 0.72%. Link slab debonded length should be larger than 0.8% to obtain low bending stiffness.

Automated summary

Engineered cementitious composites link slabs, reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars, demonstrated sufficient flexibility to meet the current design protocols. Research indicates that there are certain limitations to the depth-span ratio and reinforcement ratio of such link slabs, and the debonded length should exceed 0.8% to achieve low bending stiffness.