Performance Evaluation of a Mechanically Fastened Fiber Reinforced Polymer Deck

A case study bridge, CR 900 E. over Sugar Creek, will be the first bridge in the State of Indiana to use a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) deck. The composite decking system to be used incorporates two pultruded parts, a bottom section and a top plate, attached together with mechanical fasteners. This unique mechanical fastening system does not require on-site bonding with adhesives, facilitating its installation. A series of tests are used to evaluate the performance of this new deck and details introduced for this case study bridge prior to installation in the field. These details include a new crown connection that allows for a 2% cross-slope. Quasi-static tests are used to evaluate the capacity of this deck and its response at service loads. The tests are also used to assess the performance of the panel-to-panel connection, the deck-to-girder connectors, and the crown connection. Overall, the deck performs well, with some damage to the top plate at maximum loads. Meanwhile, past performance of FRP decks in service reveals that the wearing surface is a major concern. Delamination problems can arise if the wearing surface does not bond well with the FRP. Full scale component tests will be used to assess the candidate wearing surfaces. Finally, field techniques for monitoring the FRP deck in service are being investigated.