Wood-Based Prefabricated Composite-Acting Bridge Deck

Abstract

The paper describes the testing and finite element analysis of an experimental half-scale (approximately) wood-based, prefab- ricated, composite acting bridge deck that utilizes composite action between the decking and stringers. The 12-meter span (6-meter span in the model version) full-sized deck on which current developments is based uses three round log stringers with a diameter greater than 500 mm per 3.2 meter span design lane and plywood decking that can be up to 170 mm thick. The composite action enables the decks to meet strength requirements for the heaviest highway loads (M1600) specified in the Australian Standard AS 5100.2, but the model requires modification to meet the stringent deflection criteria associated with bridges. The deck modules are prefabricated at a full span length and can be as wide as can be transported within legal limits without special escort vehicles. The modules are joined on-site on a bevelled edge by using grouted rod-type technology. Other details included are aspects of the fabrication method, the shear connectors used, utilization of Strand 7 FE software, the linear and nonlinear finite element analyses used to investigate the deck performance, and the results of tests on a mixed scale model used to validate the finite element analysis. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000242. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Wooden bridges; Bridge decks; Composite materials; Finite element method; Model tests. Author keywords: Timber bridge; Composite acting; FE analysis; Model test.