An experimental investigation was undertaken to determine the effects of transverse confinement using glass fibre reinforced polymer and steel bars in deck slabs. Researchers in Nova Scotia and Ontario have expressed the opinion that only the bottom transverse layer of reinforcement is required for strength and safety of conventionally reinforced deck slabs. Further, they have hypothesized that the bottom transverse reinforcement acts as a lateral tensile tie, in a manner similar to that of steel straps in steel-free deck slabs. Studying the transverse confinement provided by the lateral restraints, which enables the arching action in conventionally reinforced and steel-free bridge deck slabs, will facilitate innovative and increasingly durable designs using advanced composite materials such as GFRP. The first component of the study was to assess the function and effectiveness of each layer of steel reinforcement in conventionally reinforced deck slabs. The second component was to determine if GFRP bars could also be used to perform the same function as the steel straps and lower transverse steel bars, based on equivalent axial stiffness.

This book is written to introduce the application of high-performance composite materials such as fiber reinforced polymers, functionally graded composites, and sustainable fiber reinforced composites for development of thin-walled plated structures, beams, girders, and deck structures subjected to different kinds of loads. This book also includes test cases and its validation with finite element method using general purpose commercial computer software. Moreover, the book also deals with design methodology of advanced composite materials based on different applications. The comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art research on the high-performance composite structures dealing with their stability, response, and failure characteristics will be of significant interest to scientists, researchers, students, and engineers working in the thrust area of advanced composite structures. This book is also helpful for Ph.D. candidates for developing their fundamental understanding on high-performance composite structures, and it will also appropriate for master- and undergraduate-level courses on design of composite structures especially for Civil Engineering Infrastructures.

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 679: Design of Concrete Structures Using High-Strength Steel Reinforcement evaluates the existing American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications relevant to the use of high-strength reinforcing steel and other grades of reinforcing steel having no discernible yield plateau. The report also includes recommended language to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications that will permit the use of high-strength reinforcing steel with specified yield strengths not greater than 100 ksi. The Appendixes to NCHRP Report 679 were published online.

Corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete is a major problem, with serious implications for structural integrity and durability particularly for bridges and marine structures. This new book provides a thorough overview of recent developments and applications in this area. It examines the durability, strength and suitability of alternative materials.