Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

In Canada, bridges are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Such conditions result not only in deterioration ofx000D
the concrete but mainly lead to corrosion of the steel rebar. Deterioration of aging bridge structures represents ax000D
growing issue. Significant part of the issue is due to corrosion of the internal reinforcement. In Canadianx000D
environment, the rate of corrosion of the internal reinforcement in bridge structures is a function of severalx000D
parameters such as temperature, i.e., cycles of freezing and thawing, level of humidity and direct exposure tox000D
water, presence of de-icing salts, sustained and repetitive loads, and time. Due these factors, concrete loses itsx000D
ability to protect the internal reinforcement. Unprotected reinforcement starts to corrode sooner thanx000D
anticipated and, therefore, reduces the bridge service life. To avoid shortening of the service life, and safe costx000D
of maintenance, several types of advanced corrosion resistant reinforcing materials have been developed.x000D
In this research, performance and durability testing is proposed on several types of corrosion resistantx000D
reinforcing rebars including Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) (Glass FRP, Carbon FRP and Basalt FRP),x000D
Martensitic Micro-composite Formable Steel (MMFX), and Stainless steel, in addition to the conventionalx000D
uncoated steel for comparison purposes. The reinforcing bars will be embedded in concrete specimensx000D
representing a bridge parapet. These reinforced concrete specimens will be exposed to severe weatherx000D
conditions including spraying water and cycles of freezing and thawing then tested for ultimate capacity afterx000D
the exposure. The study will evaluate material performance in terms of strength, durability, section loss of thex000D
rebar, ductility, and cracking patterns to not only establish reference guidelines for the industry but mainlyx000D
broaden the fundamental knowledge about the behavioral patterns of selected materials in harsh environments.x000D
It is expected that the different types of rebars will influence the response of the concrete beams when loaded.x000D
As an outcome of the study, a report will be prepared summarizing how the application of the selectedx000D
materials can extend the service life and reduce the maintenance cost of structures exposed to harsh weather.