Abstract
This paper presents the results of a multiphase project aimed at developing composite systems for flexural capacity upgrade of steel girders. This study is divided into three phases; namely 1 large-scale verifications tests of two strengthening systems; 2 field application of the composite systems; and 3 long-term monitoring of the performance strengthening system. The two composite systems that were evaluated in this program are precured carbon/epoxy strip and a composite sandwich system. A description of the field application of the composite systems as well as in situ bondline evaluation of the different adhesive systems is presented. A simplified linear analysis for the H-Lam composite system was developed. The nonlinear behavior of the hybrid composite system was modeled using NASTRAN and GENOA finite-element FE models. A good correlation between the predicted linear and nonlinear FE results and the half-scale tests was achieved. Based on the results of this pilot program, it is concluded that composites can successfully be used for upgrading the flexural capacity of bridge steel girders.
Published Version
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