Application of non-metallic composite reinforcement for contact line supports

Abstract

The technology for pre-stressing and anchoring of the composite rebar was developed. It makes possible to reinforce concrete products and produce the contact line supports of high quality, which possesses advantages in comparison with the steel reinforced concrete. The prototypes of supporting structures with the use of the composite BFRP reinforcement were developed. They were tested for strength, rigidity and crack resistance. In the course of testing, the value of a pole deflection in the plane of the application of the control load was determined. Poles with composite reinforcement (with vibratory load and after vibratory load) and steel reinforced poles were tested and compared. Results obtained show that the vibratory load had no significant impact on the properties of supports reinforced with pre-stressed composite rebars and confirm the practical possibility to use them. In the future, it is necessary to develop the working drawings for the replacement of the steel reinforcement by a composite polymer rebar and the technical requirements for supports of the contact lines of Russian Railways as well as the technical regulations for their design and manufacturing.