Performance Evaluation of FRP Bridge Deck Component under Torsion
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 11, Issue 4
Abstract
Torsional response of fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) composites is more complex than conventional materials. Therefore, understanding torsional response of FRP components along with shear behavior leads to development of safe and accurate design specifications. Experimental data of multicellular FRP bridge deck components have been compared with simplified theoretical model studies focused on torsional rigidity, equivalent in-plane shear modulus, in-plane shear strain, and joint efficiency. Simplified classical lamination theory (SCLT) is used to predict torsional rigidity. Results from SCLT, experimental data, and finite-element analysis validate proposed methodology to find torsional rigidity. Data on torsional rigidity and equivalent in-plane shear modulus correlated (less than 12%) with results from SCLT and finite-element analysis. In-plane shear strain based on SCLT is also concordant with test results. In an FRP deck system with 100% joint efficiency, the two-dimensional effect (plate action) on torsional rigidity results in a 20% higher rigidity when compared to a beam model. However, if a refined model has only 80% joint efficiency, then plate action results in a 6% difference from the beam model. In addition, service load design criteria for FRP decks under shear must not excess 16% of the ultimate strain by accounting for environmental and aging effects.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank USDOT-FHwA and Bedford Reinforced Plastics, Inc., in coordinating material supply and exchange of technical information.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 11 • Issue 4 • July 2006
Pages: 430 - 442
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: May 5, 2005
Accepted: Sep 21, 2005
Published online: Jul 1, 2006
Published in print: Jul 2006
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