Field Performance of a New Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Deck
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 29, Issue 6
Abstract
The field performance of a new bridge deck system composed of pultruded trapezoidal fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes wrapped in an outer wrap is described in this paper. The proof of concept FRP deck was installed on a rehabilitated bridge in Bolivar, New York, in 2012 as part of the Highways for LIFE Program from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Based on the field test, the writers developed a three-dimensional finite-element model of the bridge superstructure to further study the interaction of the FRP deck and girders. Experimental and analytical data was used to determine that no composite action was developed by the new deck-girder connection. Comparisons between distribution factors based on field measurements and standard specifications show that the lever rule should be used to estimate live load distribution in similar bridge girder spacing. The serviceability performance of the bridge was found adequate; girder deflections met standard limits, and while the FRP deck experienced deflections larger than typically allowed, they were confined to the localized area of the wheel load and would not affect bridge users.
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Acknowledgments
The information presented in this paper is based upon work supported by BridgeComposites, LLC, and the Federal Highway Administration under Grant No. DTFH61-10-G-00007. The writers would like to acknowledge the contributions of the Mr. Jeremy Ferris and the Allegany DPW in the development of the sponsored project, and Dr. Wagdy Wassef’s support of the thesis work conducted by Mr. Fuhrman. The findings and opinions presented in this paper are those of the writers and not of the sponsor, University at Buffalo, or Pennsylvania State University.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 29 • Issue 6 • December 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 23, 2013
Accepted: Jul 14, 2014
Published online: Sep 24, 2014
Discussion open until: Feb 24, 2015
Published in print: Dec 1, 2015
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