Abstract

Glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) decks have been widely used in the rehabilitation and construction of bridges as a replacement for conventional deck materials, such as steel, concrete, and wood. In this study, an analysis method for checking the local safety of joints in adhesively connected GFRP decks under bidirectional bending due to traffic wheel loads is newly presented. This method can be applied for designing and evaluating the joints of other FRP decks. The orthotropic material properties of the deck were approximately assumed according to the test results and previous research. Three-dimensional solid elements were used to simulate the local behavior of the adhesive and deck substrates at the joints. Global deflections of the deck and local deformations of the adhesive were evaluated for serviceability. The local stresses in the adhesive and deck substrate are evaluated at the joint to check for local failure modes of the joint under serviceability and ultimate limit states. The analysis results indicate that local failures of the adhesive and deck substrate at the joint occurred. Recommendations for avoiding these local failures and performing more precise analysis are suggested.

Highlights

  • Fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) composites are among the most promising alternatives to steel and concrete due to their light weight, high durability, and high strength.Glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) decks are of interest because of their economy and applicability to bridges

  • GFRP decks have significantly lower dead loads than conventional concrete decks owing to their light weight

  • This study describes the requirements foralimit state design; introduces connections between the TG200 deck tubes had tongue-and-groove (TG)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) composites are among the most promising alternatives to steel and concrete due to their light weight, high durability, and high strength. Glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) decks are of interest because of their economy and applicability to bridges. They have significant advantages over concrete and steel owing to their durability and corrosion resistance. They have longer service life and lower maintenance costs. GFRP decks have significantly lower dead loads than conventional concrete decks owing to their light weight. Construction is significantly shortened due to the easy installation of FRP decks [1–4]

Methods
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call