Corrosion-Resistant Carbon-Fiber Composite Cable for Prestressed Bridge Piles

About the project:

This project will verify that carbon-fiber composite cable (CFCC) can be used as a replacement for traditional steel strands in bridge piles.

VCTIR will work with VDOT to place carbon-fiber composite cable in the 18 piles of the two bents of a planned bridge at the Nimmo Parkway over West Neck Creek in Virginia Beach in the Hampton Roads District. 

In this project, the strands and spiral will be of carbon-fiber composite cable.  Upon completing this project, VDOT will have the ability to implement the use of a corrosion-free strand in bridge piles where corrosion is a concern, such as concrete elements exposed to brackish or salt water or deicing salts.

To assist VDOT in understanding the costs and benefits of implementing this material, VCTIR also will conduct an in-depth cost analysis and comparison of CFCC and alternative materials.

Project Team

Co-Principal Investigators