The Design and Analysis of Internally Stiffened GFRP Tubular Decks—A Sustainable Solution

Yeou-Fong Li,Walter Chen,Habib Meda

doi:10.3390/su10124538

Yeou-Fong Li, Walter Chen + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124538

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Dec 1, 2018
Citations: 4	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: National Taipei University of Technology

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to find an optimal stiffener configuration of thin-wall tubular panels made by glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite material, which is a low carbon emission, low life cycle cost, and sustainable material. Finite-element analysis (FEA) was used to investigate the flexural and torsional stiffness of various internally stiffened sections of thin-wall GFRP decks. These decks consist of internally stiffened tubular profiles laid side by side and bonded together with epoxy to ensure the panel acts as an assembly. Three-dimensional models of the seven proposed decks were assembled with tubular profiles of different stiffener patterns. First, the non-stiffened tube profile was tested experimentally to validate the parameters used in the subsequent numerical analysis. Then, the finite element software, ANSYS, was used to simulate the flexural and torsional behavior of the decks with different stiffener patterns under bending and torsional loads. The decks with stiffener patterns such as “O” type, “V” type, and “D” type were found to be the most effective in bending. For torsion, there was a distinct tendency for deck panels with closed shaped stiffener patterns to perform better than their counterparts. Overall, the “O” type deck panel was an optimal stiffener configuration.

Highlights

With exposure to saline conditions in coastal areas, the use of de-icing chemicals in cold regions, and the frequent occurrence of earthquakes in some regions, the aging process of infrastructures accelerates
fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials are noted for their anti-corrosion, lightweight, low carbon emissions, low thermal conductivity, and excellent weather resistance
Li et al [1] calculated that the all-glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) pedestrian bridge reduced total carbon emission by about 43% and 19% compared to a reinforced concrete pedestrian bridge and a steel pedestrian bridge, respectively

Summary

Introduction

With exposure to saline conditions in coastal areas, the use of de-icing chemicals in cold regions, and the frequent occurrence of earthquakes in some regions, the aging process of infrastructures accelerates. In the last two decades, civil engineers have considered the use of alternative materials, such as fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials, to rehabilitate existing infrastructures or rebuild new ones. FRP composite materials are noted for their anti-corrosion, lightweight, low carbon emissions, low thermal conductivity, and excellent weather resistance. They are attractive for their other beneficial mechanical properties, such as high strength-to-weight ratio, and high modulus of elasticity. FRP composite materials can offer a longer maintenance-free service life and low life cycle cost. Due to the lightweight nature of FRP material, the modular FRP components could be shipped to the field for assembling; the time and cost for field construction can be significantly reduced

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