Fiber-reinforced polymer-reinforced concrete (FRP-RC) structures have won researchers’ attention for decades as a considerable substitute due to their superb mechanical and non-mechanical properties. Despite the promising potential of concrete structures with glass FRP and basalt FRP that were shown by previous research, there are few specifications for the seismic design of FRP-RC structures to date due to limited research data on their seismic behavior. This paper focuses on the seismic performance of concrete columns with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement by finite element modeling. The effect of longitudinal reinforcement type and ratio, stirrup spacing, concrete strength and axial load ratio are included in the parametric analysis in VecTor2. Properly designed CFRP-RC columns with good confinement generally reach high load-carrying capacity and deformation level, while high axial load could induce relatively severe damage. To verify these conclusions, seven full-scale columns are under construction and will be tested under combined lateral reversed cyclic loading and constant axial loading.

Most of the research related to interface shear transfer in concrete elements has utilized steel bars as reinforcement, while GFRP reinforcement has received little attention experimentally and analytically. For this reason, only a few design specifications include provisions for the calculation of the interface shear transfer when using GFRP. In this project, an experimental campaign is being conducted to determine the contribution of GFRP bars to the mechanism of shear transfer by using push-off specimens. The literature review and the test methodology are reported in this paper. The obtained results indicate that the use of GFRP reinforcement significantly enhances the interface shear strength, resulting in a capacity that exceeds those of the specimens without reinforcement. When the GFRP-reinforced specimen reaches the first crack at a load similar to that of the unreinforced specimens, it continues carrying load until it reaches a peak, thus indicating that the reinforcement is providing both dowel action and clamping force prior the shear failure. Additionally, once the peak strength is reached, the use of GFRP reinforcement allows the specimen to deform in a pseudo-ductile fashion thus preventing sudden failure.

This paper presents pedagogical techniques used to teach detailing of reinforced concrete structures. Detailing includes the ACI 318 code specifications for reinforcement placement and layout in a structural component. Students sometimes view this topic as a set of rules and standards; however, students must also understand the reasons these specifications exist. Therefore, the authors include a variety of methods to address both how to apply detailing and why detailing matters. These methods allow students to make critical assessments and experience higher-order learning. The authors utilize a variety of active and student-centered learning methods to teach the topics of detailing. The specific approaches discussed within this paper include skeleton-style notes, case studies, field work, experiential learning opportunities, projects, and the inverted classroom. This paper presents the pedagogical significance of each method, provides examples of implementing each method, and includes lessons learned by the authors based on their own implementation of these methods in the classroom.

Performance-based specifications (PBS) may increase concrete quality and sustainability by facilitating innovations in material selection and proportioning. This is particularly relevant now with increased interest in a broader set of minimally processed minerals for use as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) or fillers; these are often industrial and agricultural byproducts and with limited performance history in concrete. This study compares traditional largely prescriptive concrete design, following practices currently allowed by the Georgia Department of Transportation, with three new concrete designs which do not comply with current specifications but offer increased sustainability. Three metrics are assessed for each mixture: the associated cradle-to-gate CO₂ emissions, a metric that incorporates the environmental burden of concrete, compressive strength at 28 days, and surface resistivity measurements taken weekly from 28 to 56 days. A framework is proposed to statistically analyze compressive strength data to pre-qualify mix designs, which can be broadly applied to reduce time-consuming iterative testing and to help meet sustainable development goals. The aim is to foster innovation in material use and mixture design towards an increased durability and performance, while reducing environmental impact and minimizing risk.

Load rating procedures can include conservative assumptions, which may result in load posting bridges that have sufficient load carrying capacity. This study investigated the accuracy of live load distribution factors (LLDFs) and potential refinements to the load rating process for simple span concrete pan girder bridges. A typical load-posted simple-span concrete pan girder bridge, without as-built drawings, was selected as a representative case study. The behavior of the bridge, including live load distribution, was studied through finite element method (FEM) modeling and field testing. The results obtained from the field tests were used to calibrate the FEM model. The FEM model captured the measured distribution of loads across the bridge width with reasonable accuracy. The AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation provides guidelines for load rating bridges using Load and Resistance Factor Rating, Load Factor Rating, and Allowable Stress Rating. The AASHTO Standard Specifications LLDFs for interior girders were found to be slightly conservative, while those in the AASHTO LRFD Specifications were quite conservative. Although the impact on load rating for this particular bridge was found to be relatively small, the verified modeling approach provides useful guidance for load rating similar bridges using refined analysis.