Designing a Sustainable Concrete Bridge Deck by Using Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer Reinforcement

Conference Paper (2026)
Author(s)

Daan Coppus (Haskoning - Nijmegen)

Rob Vergoossen (Haskoning - Delft, TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)

Eva Lantsoght (Universidad San Francisco de Quito, TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)

Research Group
Concrete Structures
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.2749/copenhagen.2026.0989 Final published version
More Info
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Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Research Group
Concrete Structures
Pages (from-to)
989-997
Publisher
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
ISBN (print)
978-3-85748-212-0
ISBN (electronic)
9798331335489
Event
IABSE Symposium Copenhagen 2026: Bridging Advanced Technologies - Structural Innovation (2026-04-21 - 2026-04-24), Copenhagen, Denmark
Page Views
35
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Abstract

Concrete structures contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions, motivating sustainable reinforcement alternatives. Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) rebars offer a 43% lower Environmental Cost Indicator (ECI) than steel and are corrosion-resistant, allowing reduced concrete cover. This study assesses the feasibility of BFRP rebars in a concrete deck slab on inverted T-girders. Due to their lower elastic modulus, BFRP rebar usage in concrete structures cause larger deformations and crack widths, reducing shear capacity through diminished compression zone, aggregate interlock, and dowel action. Numerical modelling showed shear-governed behaviour and reduced load distribution. An optimized slab with reduced thickness met structural requirements and achieved ECI reductions of 27%–32%, confirming enhanced sustainability.

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