Completed Research 1995 to 2006

Theme 4 (1995-1999):
Innovative Structures with Integrated Sensing

Director: Dr. Sami Rizkalla, University of Manitoba

As a co-founder of ISIS Canada and its first President and Scientific Program Leader, Dr. Sami Rizkalla launched the Theme 4 research program.  The objective was to develop innovative structures that achieve superior performance through the use of advanced composite materials and integrated fibre optic structural sensing systems.  At the time, research was underway to:

• Develop reliable theoretical models for fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) bridge decks totally devoid of steel bars.

• Investigate the use of FRPs for areas of bridge decks where the transverse restraint system cannot be provided.

• Develop intelligent monitoring and sensing for FRC decks to assess in-service performance.

• Examine the performance of reinforced and prestressed concrete structural components reinforced by FRP and monitored by optical fibre sensors.

• Develop analytical and numerical models to predict the behaviour of structures reinforced and/or prestressed by FRP.

• Investigate an innovative FRP ground anchorage for a wide range of civil engineering applications such as concrete dams, retaining walls and bridge abutments.

• Develop FRP transmission poles using computer-controlled filament winder equipment.

• Develop a new anchorage system for FRP reinforcements.

Theme 4 was launched with the following projects included in the research program.

Innovative Bridge Deck Structural Systems (T4.1)
Project Leader: Dr. Aftab Mufti, Dalhousie University

Engineered Fibre-Reinforced Cement-Based Composites (EFRC) for Bridge Decks (T4.2)
Project Leader: Dr. Nemkumar Banthia, University of British Columbia

Advanced Composite Materials and Integrated Sensors for Concrete Structures (T4.3)
Project Leader: Dr. Sami Rizkalla, University of Manitoba
Taylor Bridge Field Demo
Beddington Trail Bridge Field Demo
Country Hills Blvd. Bridge Field Demo

Development of FRP Transmission Poles (T4.4b)
Project Leader: Dr. Dimos Polyzois, University of Manitoba

Corrosion-Free Prestressed Masonry (T4.4c)
Project Leader: Dr. Nigel Shrive, University of Calgary

The research within the foregoing projects was organized so that, collectively, the results of the joint undertaking would achieve the objectives of the initial Theme 4, as outlined in the foregoing Theme Overview provided on this web site.

Achievements within Theme 4 by the spring of 1997 were as follows:

• Designed and constructed the longest span highway bridge in the world reinforced for shear and prestressed using FRPs.

• Developed high performance, fibre reinforced cement-based composites using non-corrosive fibres.

• Tested, analyzed and proposed design recommendations for the use of FRP reinforcement for bridges and structures.

• Designed and collected data using concrete blocks, beams, and cracked specimens to examine FRP for shear reinforcement

• Built and tested a full-scale portion of a bridge deck slab reinforced with carbon FRP.

• Developed new concrete for glass FRP. This work was closely associated with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and examined the use of low-shear, high performance concrete for concrete structures reinforced by glass FRP.

• Three experimental models were used to investigate the critical stress of glass FRP bars.

• Developed a technology to integrate fibre optic sensors in the FRP reinforcement and to evaluate their performance for strain monitoring.  Successful experiments were carried out with Pultrall Inc.

• First time ever using FRPs as shear reinforcement for a major highway bridge in Manitoba.

• Analytical and numerical models were established to predict the deflections and cracking under monotonic loading for concrete members reinforced with FRPs.

• Transmission pole models were fabricated and tested under static loading in the W.R. McQuade Laboratory at the University of Manitoba.

• A new 10-meter, 3 degree axis computer controlled filament winder was installed at the ISIS/Faroex Filament Winding Research Facility in Gimli, Manitoba to facilitate the research in GFRP windings.

• A new anchorage was developed that produced the full strength of the carbon FRP tendon.

• Tested first generation model of FRP ground anchorage.

Completed Research 1995 to 2006