Institute for Transportation

This paper describes the results of an experimental program in which Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) tendons, rather than the commonly employed steel threaded bars, are used to post-tension a laminated wood deck. Initial results show that properly designed GRP tendons can significantly reduce prestress losses. While initial results are encouraging, long term concerns with GRP tendons include creep-rupture in the E-glass reinforcement and environmental attack on the glass fibers.