Experimental study on the strength of developed concrete bridge barrier‐deck slab connections reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer bars

Abstract The study introduces glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars as a substitute for traditional steel reinforcement in TL‐5 concrete bridge barriers, highlighting their resistance to corrosion, long‐lasting durability, and superior tensile strength. To qualify the GFRP‐reinforced barrier‐deck slab system for use in bridges, the barrier should be designed for vehicle impact to (i) determine the amount of vertical and horizontal bars in the barrier wall and (ii) determine the bar anchorage details at the barrier‐deck slab connection. The GFRP bar detailing incorporated the recently developed high‐modulus GFRP bars with 180° hooks and bent bars. This research examined different GFRP bars' anchorage configurations in the barrier wall/concrete deck slabs using GFRP bars with 180° hooks in different orientations and the GFRP bent bars. As such, the experimental program consisted of seven full‐scale barrier walls with varying profiles of anchorage to ensure that the resistance of the anchorage at the barrier‐deck connection is greater than the factored design load specified in the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC). Experimental results exceeded the factored applied moments per CHBDC for the design of the barrier‐deck connection well, regardless of the origination of the hook bars and/or the use of bent bars.