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

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.