Live Load Distribution of Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Superstructure on the Basis of Field Test

Abstract

Transverse live load distribution in a concrete–fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite hybrid bridge was investigated both experimentally and analytically. The subject bridge was a concrete–FRP composite hybrid bridge, constructed with four 31-ft (9.4-m) long, prefabricated superstructure panels, which were joined along longitudinal field joints made of steel-reinforced grout. The live load distribution factors (DFs) of this bridge were evaluated with strain values measured in field tests and produced from finite element analysis. Design documents and load rating reports showed that a simplified method on the basis of beam-bending could be used in the design process, which required live load DFs. From strain values measured during load tests, the DFs were inferred to be 0.35 and 0.49 for interior and exterior panels, respectively. The comparison of load tests done 6 years apart indicated no significant change in the structural performance of the bridge. Although the design of this structure was unique, the evaluation showed that other hybrid structural members also could achieve good load distribution. The investigation indicated that composite structures could be durable with little maintenance required.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Triandafilou

, and O'Connor

J. S.

Composites for Bridge Decks and Superstructures: State of the Practice. Proc., U.S. International Conference on Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for Infrastructure Applications, University of the Pacific, Stockton, Calif., 2009.

Triandafilou

, and O'Connor

J. S.

Field Issues Associated with the Use of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Bridge Decks and Superstructures in Harsh Environments. Structural Engineering International, Vol. 20, No. 4, 2010 pp. 409–413.

Warn

G.P.

, and Aref

A.J.

Sustained-Load and Fatigue Performance of a Hybrid FRP-Concrete Bridge Deck System. Journal of Composites for Construction-ASCE, Vol. 14, No. 6, 2010, pp. 856–864.

DePlanche

Design Report: New Oregon Road Bridge 446-6 over Tributary to South Branch Eighteen Mile Creek. TVGA Consultants, Buffalo, N.Y., 2004.

O'Connor

J. S.

Special Engineering Report on New Oregon Road Bridge 446-6 over Trib. of South Branch of Eighteen Mile Creek. BridgeComposites, LLC., Hornell, N.Y., 2010.

Zokaie

AASHTO-LRFD Live Load Distribution Specifications. Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 5, No. 2, ASCE, 2000, pp. 131–138.

AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design Bridge Design Specifications, 5th ed. AASHTO, Washington, D.C., 2010.

Moses

J.P.

, Harries

K. A.

, Earls

C.J.

, and Yulismana

Evaluation of Effective Width and Distribution Factors for GFRP Bridge Decks Supported on Steel Girders. Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 4, ASCE, 2006, pp. 401–409.

C.C.

, AlAyed

, Made

A. M.

, and Robert

Field Performance of the Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Deck of a Truss Bridge. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, Vol. 21, No. 1, ASCE, 2007, pp. 53–60.

10.

Park

Y.-H.

, Choi

J.-H.

, and Park

Y.-G.

External Post-Prestressing Strengthening Considering the Stiffness of Servicing Steel Plate Girder Bridge. KSCE, Vol. 24, No. 3-A, 2004, pp. 445–543 (in Korean).