The static behavior of a modular foam-filled GFRP bridge deck with a strong web-flange joint

Abstract

The static behavior of a modular bridge deck filled with a low-density polyurethane foam was experimentally investigated. The web-flange joint of the deck was strong enough so that a failure of the deck in the transverse direction was governed by the delamination of the bond between two adjacent modules whether the deck was filled or not. Although the elastic modulus of the foam was only a thousandth of the homogenized modulus of the GFRP deck, the structural performance of the deck in the transverse direction was significantly improved by the foam filled inside the deck. It was shown experimentally that tensile stress could develop in the top flange of the deck subjected to three point bending because of shear deformation. Such a development of tensile stress was significantly mitigated by the foam filled inside the deck.