Evaluation on mechanical properties of high‐performance biocomposite bridge deck structure: a review

Abstract

AbstractNowadays, the problem of performance deterioration caused by the steel‐bar corrosion of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks has been serious gradually. Hence, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have already become alternative structural materials to traditional RC because of the characteristic of lightweight and high‐strength, better corrosion and fatigue resistance, and so forth. But they are also accompanied by some defects as being expensive and harmful to the environment and human health. Biocomposites have beneficial properties such as low density, less expensive, and reduced solidity while compared with synthetic FRP composite products, thus providing advantages for utilization in civil engineering structural applications. Furthermore, using natural fibers as reinforcement for composites introduces positive effects on the mechanical behavior of biocomposite structures. This paper mainly reports the research status of FRP and biocomposite bridge decks and their mechanical properties including flexural, shear, punch shear, and fatigue performances; summarizes some design methods and related innovative research results of FRP bridge deck to provide the design base for the biocomposite bridge deck, discusses the issue of insufficient mechanical properties of biocomposites applied to bridge deck structure, and introduces the high‐performance methods of natural fiber composites. It is conducive to the investigation and promotion of biocomposites as structural materials in civil engineering. In addition, there is some crucial reference significance and value for the development of a green and sustainable engineering structure.