Durability in a Salt Solution of Pultruded Composite Materials Used in Structural Sections for Bridge Deck Applications

Abstract

AbstractThis study addresses the durability of glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) pultruded structural sections used in bridge-deck applications, namely, a flat plate with T-shaped ribs (R-GFRP) and a corrugated plate (C-GFRP). Standard coupons were aged for up to 224 days at 23, 40, and 55°C in separate baths of 3% salt solutions simulating deicing conditions. The tensile-strength retentions and Young’s moduli were measured periodically. Data were assessed using ANOVA. Microstructure assessments using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to provide additional assessment of degradation. It was shown that after 224 days, the tensile strength retentions of the R-GFRP and C-GFRP were similar, and that they decreased from 77 to 63% as the temperature increased from 23 to 55°C. The observed reductions were confirmed by micrographs showing some surface cracks and separations between the fibers and the matrix, but results...