Membrane-Based Forms for Innovative FRP Bridge Systems through Structural Optimization
Publication: Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 10, Issue 5
Abstract
The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for new construction is still limited primarily due to high costs and designs based on shapes best suitable to conventional materials. The layered and fiber dominated structure of FRP composites is most efficient when used under in-plane stress demands. Structural forms that most efficiently use tensile stress carrying capacity are membranes or thin shells. An analytical investigation is presented where an innovative optimization algorithm for the integrated shape and laminate optimization of free-form FRP shells was developed and used to generate two new bridge systems that efficiently use FRP composites in membrane-based forms. One concept makes use of a FRP membrane working compositely with a concrete slab to resist flexure while the second uses the FRP membrane in a dual suspension system supporting a deck through diaphragms. The resulting designs and a discussion on their performance under optimal and nonoptimal loading are presented. While practical issues are still to be resolved, the presented approach and concepts can promote and provide insight to efficient structural forms for FRP composites.
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Acknowledgments
This study was possible through the support of Michigan State University through the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and an Intramural Research Grant Program award from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies. The first author would like to acknowledge Professor Frieder Seible of the University of California, San Diego, for the inspiration and vision that initiated the thought process towards the presented bridge concepts.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Composites for Construction
Volume 10 • Issue 5 • October 2006
Pages: 453 - 461
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Oct 19, 2005
Accepted: Dec 22, 2005
Published online: Oct 1, 2006
Published in print: Oct 2006
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