Deck System Research Articles

Performance Evaluation of FRP Bridge Deck Component under Torsion

Torsional response of fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) composites is more complex than conventional materials. Therefore, understanding torsional response of FRP components along with shear behavior leads to development of safe and accurate design specifications. Experimental data of multicellular FRP bridge deck components have been compared with simplified theoretical model studies focused on torsional rigidity, equivalent in-plane shear modulus, in-plane shear strain, and joint efficiency. Simplified classical lamination theory (SCLT) is used to predict torsional rigidity. Results from SCLT, experimental data, and finite-element analysis validate proposed methodology to find torsional rigidity. Data on torsional rigidity and equivalent in-plane shear modulus correlated (less than 12%) with results from SCLT and finite-element analysis. In-plane shear strain based on SCLT is also concordant with test results. In an FRP deck system with 100% joint efficiency, the two-dimensional effect (plate action) on torsional rigidity results in a 20% higher rigidity when compared to a beam model. However, if a refined model has only 80% joint efficiency, then plate action results in a 6% difference from the beam model. In addition, service load design criteria for FRP decks under shear must not excess 16% of the ultimate strain by accounting for environmental and aging effects.

Fatigue Behavior of a Steel-Free FRP–Concrete Modular Bridge Deck System

This paper presents results of an evaluation of the fatigue performance of a novel steel-free fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)–concrete modular bridge deck system consisting of wet layup FRP–concrete...

Experimental characterization of a pultruded GFRP bridge deck for light-weight vehicles

A composite bridge deck system assembled from a modular profile with double-rectangular cells has been developed for light-weight vehicles. This paper presents the experimental characterization of the flexural performance of pultruded GFRP decks under static loading. Several tests were carried on single module and adhesively bonded modules. The specimen details such as dimensions, material properties and fiber architecture are given. Numerical verification is performed by using the general purpose finite element package ABAQUS. Experimental set-up, instrumentation, testing procedure, failure modes and the results of these experiments have been discussed in detail.

Performance Prediction of Bridge Deck Systems Using Markov Chains

Bridge management systems have adopted Markov-chain models for predicting the future condition of bridge components, systems, and networks. These models are developed based on two assumptions. First, bridge inspections are performed at predetermined and fixed time intervals (i.e., constant inspection period). Second, the future bridge condition depends only on the present condition and not on the past condition (i.e., state independence). This paper evaluates the impact of these assumptions on the performance prediction of bridge deck systems using field data obtained from the Ministère des Transports du Québec. Transition probability matrices are developed for the different elements of the deck system and adjusted for the variation in the inspection period using Bayes’ rule. This investigation indicated that the variation in the inspection period may result in a 22% error in predicting the service life of a bridge deck system. Also, the statistical tests used to assess the validity of the state independence assumption of Markov chains showed that this assumption is acceptable with a 95% level of confidence, which is reasonable for network level analysis.

Experimental Investigation on the Structural Behavior of Shear Connectors Used in the FRP and Concrete Bridge Deck System

Feasibility study on the use of newly developed FRP and concrete composite bridge deck system is conducted. To lengthen the service life of bridge deck, the steel-free bridge deck system is developed. In this deck system, shear connectors between FRP module and concrete are utilized and structural behavior of shear connectors is investigated experimentally. The result of an investigation reveals that the system is promising.

FEA of Complex Bridge System with FRP Composite Deck

Innovative fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite highway bridge deck systems are gradually gaining acceptance in replacing damaged/deteriorated concrete and timber decks. FRP bridge decks can be designed to meet the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) HS-25 load requirements. Because a rather complex sub- and superstructure system is used to support the FRP deck, it is important to include the entire system in analyzing the deck behavior and performance. In this paper, we will present a finite-element analysis (FEA) that is able to consider the structural complexity of the entire bridge system and the material complexity of an FRP sandwich deck. The FEA is constructed using a two-step analysis approach. The first step is to analyze the global behavior of the entire bridge under the AASHTO HS-25 loading. The next step is to analyze the local behavior of the FRP deck with appropriate load and boundary conditions determined from the first step. For the latter, a layered FEA module is proposed to compute the internal stresses and deformations of the FRP sandwich deck. This approach produces predictions that are in good agreement with experimental measurements.

Dynamic analysis of vehicle–deck interactions

This paper presents the review and studies at various levels of problems concerning the authors’ previous research on the dynamics of vehicle–deck interactions. The various levels of study include the dynamic structural behavior of vehicle–deck systems, vehicle vibrations, damping effects of vehicles on structural systems, dynamic interactions between tire and deck surface, and vehicle securing on decks during ship motions, etc. The study includes analytical, numerical and experimental analysis. Practical problems encountered by Ro–Ro ship designers are addressed by discussing those analysis. It is shown that influences from the dynamics of vehicle–deck interactions are relevant to a number of aspects of issues, such as the excitation frequency range, how detailed information of the structural system response is required, the structure characteristics, and positions and orientations of vehicles on decks, etc. The study contributes to the knowledge for the naval architect and vehicle engineer on how significant the dynamics of vehicle–deck interactions are when dealing with relevant problems.

Effects of Pier and Deck Flexibility on the Seismic Response of Isolated Bridges

The seismic response of bridges isolated by elastomeric bearings and the sliding system is investigated under two horizontal components of real earthquake ground motions. The selected bridges consist of multispan continuous deck supported on the piers and abutments. Three different mathematical models of the isolated bridge are considered for the analytical seismic response by considering and ignoring the flexibility of the deck and piers. The mathematical formulation for seismic response analysis of various mathematical models of the bridges isolated by different isolation systems is presented. The accuracy and computational efficiency of various mathematical models of isolated bridges is investigated by comparing their responses under different system parameters and earthquake ground motions. The important parameters selected are the flexibility of deck, piers, and isolation systems. There was significant difference in the computational time required for different models, but it was observed that the seismic response of the bridges obtained from different equivalent mathematical models is quite comparable even for an unsymmetrical bridge. Thus, the earthquake response of a seismically isolated bridge can be effectively obtained by modeling it as a single-degree-of-freedom system (i.e., considering the piers and deck as rigid) supported on an isolation system in two horizontal directions.

Modal Testing and Finite Element Calculations for Lightweight Aluminum Panels in Car Carriers

Due to their characteristics and lower maintenance cost, lightweight aluminum structures have been widely used for manufacturing deck structures. When this type of structure is developed, the natural frequencies for the unloaded deck may increase, while the natural frequencies for loaded decks are most likely to decrease and new problems of vibration and damping may appear. In addition, it has already been shown by the authors that compared to the load effects of normal cargo, the dynamic structural behavior of a vehicle-loaded deck is different due to the participation of vehicle vibrations. The current paper presents a modal analysis by both testing and finite element (FE) calculation for a lightweight deck using aluminum panels. By comparing the results between the unloaded and car-loaded cases, it is shown how vehicle loading influences the dynamic structural behavior of the deck structures. The authors report that an aluminum panel mechanically connected to a steel frame may participate in some mode shapes of vibrations that significantly increase the corresponding damping ratio. The reasonably good agreement between modal testing results and FE calculations validates the finite element model, which may then be used for further dynamic analysis. The authors found that the spring-damping systems of car suspension and tires can interfere in the dynamic transmission of the vehicle mass into the deck structure. The study enables structural engineers interested in the design of car carriers to have a better understanding of how the vehicles parked on decks can influence the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle deck systems.

Cost-Effective, Structural Stay-in-Place Formwork System of Fiber - Reinforced Polymer for Accelerated and Durable Bridge Deck Construction

This paper describes research on the evolution of a cost-effective, structural stay-in-place (SIP) formwork bridge deck system with an integrated modular three-dimensional fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement cage. Recent research conducted at the University of Wisconsin is reviewed to show the evolution of the reinforcing system to include an integral FRP SIP form. The evolution occurred through laboratory testing, which was followed by the design and construction of two bridge structures owned by the State of Wisconsin. Each structure used different FRP reinforcement and formwork. These projects pointed out the need for a competitive SIP formwork to be used in conjunction with FRP reinforcement. Two specimens with different FRP reinforcement and SIP formwork arrangements were tested. Full-scale deck slab specimens were tested by applying a simulated wheel design load to investigate the static response, ultimate capacity, and failure mechanism. The most economical FRP reinforcing system has been ...

Cost-Effective, Structural Stay-in-Place Formwork System of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer for Accelerated and Durable Bridge Deck Construction

This paper describes research on the evolution of a cost-effective, structural stay-in-place (SIP) formwork bridge deck system with an integrated modular three-dimensional fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement cage. Recent research conducted at the University of Wisconsin is reviewed to show the evolution of the reinforcing system to include an integral FRP SIP form. The evolution occurred through laboratory testing, which was followed by the design and construction of two bridge structures owned by the State of Wisconsin. Each structure used different FRP reinforcement and formwork. These projects pointed out the need for a competitive SIP formwork to be used in conjunction with FRP reinforcement. Two specimens with different FRP reinforcement and SIP formwork arrangements were tested. Full-scale deck slab specimens were tested by applying a simulated wheel design load to investigate the static response, ultimate capacity, and failure mechanism. The most economical FRP reinforcing system has been implemented in a superstructure replacement project in Greene County, Missouri.

Bond-slip model for coarse sand coated interface between FRP and concrete from optimization technique

Innovative FRP–concrete composite bridge deck systems fabricated by casting concrete above FRP panel have been proposed and have already been implemented actually. In such deck systems, the FRP panel plays the role of formwork during the curing of concrete and behaves as a structural member combined with concrete during service life. Coarse sand coating is usually applied to secure composite behavior of the two materials instead of epoxy bonding, which is extensively used for retrofit purpose of deteriorated structures. This study focuses on investigating the bond behavior of coarse sand coating experimentally and analytically. Pure shear tests on coarse sand coated and epoxy coated joints are performed from which results are used to extract the bond-slip model. A method to obtain the bond-slip model from pure shear test is proposed, in which analytic solution of bond-slip model based on fracture mechanics is introduced and physical programming technique is used for formulation. Genetic algorithm is adopted for the optimization. Application of the proposed method produces local bond-slip model for coarse sand coating. Finally, in order to verify the proposed method and local bond-slip model, 4-point bending test of beam specimens with coarse sand coated FRP plate is performed and the result is compared to finite element analysis including the proposed local bond-slip model.

Critical Evaluation of Strain Measurements in Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bridge Decks

An experimental study of principal strains and deflections of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite bridge deck systems is presented. The experimental results are shown to correlate well with those of an analytical model. While transverse strains and vertical deflections are observed to be consistent, repeatable, and predictable, longitudinal strains exhibit exceptional sensitivity to both strain sensor and applied load location. Large, reversing strain gradients are observed in the longitudinal direction of the bridge deck. GFRP deck system geometry, connectivity, material properties, and manufacturing imperfections coupled with the observed strains suggest that the performance of these structures should be assessed under fatigue loading conditions. Recommendations for accurately assessing longitudinal strain in GFRP bridge decks are made, and a review of existing data is suggested.

Dynamic Response of Three Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Bridges

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bridge decks are gaining the attention of bridge owners because of their light self-weight, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation. Constructed Facilities Center at West Virginia University working with the Federal Highway Administration and West Virginia Department of Transportation has developed three different FRP decking systems and installed several FRP deck bridges in West Virginia. These FRP bridge decks are lighter in weight than comparable concrete systems and therefore their dynamic performance is equally as important as their static performance. In the current study dynamic tests were performed on three FRP deck bridges, namely, Katy Truss Bridge, Market Street Bridge, and Laurel Lick Bridge, in the state of West Virginia. The dynamic response parameters evaluated for the three bridges include dynamic load allowance (DLA) factors, natural frequencies, damping ratios, and deck accelerations caused by moving test trucks. It was found that the DLA f...

Laboratory and Field Performance of Cellular Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Bridge Deck Systems

This paper addresses the laboratory and field performance of multicellular fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bridge deck systems produced from adhesively bonded pultrusions. Two methods of deck contact loading were examined: a steel patch dimensioned according to the AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications, and a simulated tire patch constructed from an actual truck tire reinforced with silicon rubber. Under these conditions, deck stiffness, strength, and failure characteristics of the cellular FRP decks were examined. The simulated tire loading was shown to develop greater global deflections given the same static load. The failure mode is localized and dominated by transverse bending failure of the composites under the simulated tire loading as opposed to punching shear for the AASHTO recommended patch load. A field testing facility was designed and constructed in which FRP decks were installed, tested, and monitored to study the decks’ in-service field performance. No significant loss of deck capacit...

Experimental investigation on behaviour of steel–concrete composite bridge decks with perfobond ribs

This paper introduces a test program conducted for steel–concrete composite bridge decks with perfobond rib shear connectors. The composite deck consists of profiled steel sheeting, perfobond ribs, steel reinforcements, and concrete. To provide longitudinal shear resistance between the profiled sheeting and the concrete, perfobond ribs were used. For a prototype steel-box girder bridge, two types of deck profiles with deck-to-girder connections were designed. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed deck system for bridge application, push-out, full-scale flexural, and deck-to-girder connection tests for each deck profile have been conducted. The results of tests have shown that the perfobond ribs can be effectively used for shear connection in the steel–concrete composite decks.

Transverse Cracking of Concrete Bridge Decks: Effects of Design Factors

Early transverse cracking is one of the dominant forms of bridge deck defects experienced by a large number of transportation agencies. These cracks often initiate soon after the bridge deck is constructed, and they are caused by restrained shrinkage of concrete. Transverse cracks increase the maintenance cost of a bridge structure and reduce its life span. Most of the past efforts addressing transverse bridge deck cracking have focused on changes over the years in concrete material properties and construction practices. However, recent studies have shown the importance of design factors on transverse bridge deck cracking. This paper presents results of a comprehensive finite-element (FE) study of deck and girder bridge systems to understand and evaluate crack patterns, stress histories, as well as the relative effect of different design factors such as structural stiffness on transverse deck cracking. The results of this study demonstrate the development of transverse deck cracking and emphasize the importance of these design factors. They also recommend preventive measures that can be adopted during the design stage in order to minimize the probability of transverse deck cracking.

Steel-concrete composite deck for PSC girder bridges

This paper introduces a steel-concrete composite bridge deck with perfobond rib shear connectors designed for the prestressed concrete I-girder bridges. The composite deck consists of profiled steel sheeting, perfobond ribs, reinforcements, and concrete. To provide horizontal shear resistance between the profiled sheeting and the concrete, perfobond ribs were used. For a prototype prestressed concrete I-girder bridge, two types of deck profiles with deck-to-girder connections were designed. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed deck system, full-scale tests for each deck profile and deck-to-girder connection have been condu cted. The results of tests have shown that the perfobond ribs can be effectively used for shear connection in the composite decks.

Performance of a fibre-reinforced polymer bridge deck under dynamic wheel loading

Abstract The paper describes the research carried out by TRL Limited on behalf of the UK Highways Agency to examine the performance of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge decks under local wheel loading. The objective of the research was to produce a draft standard giving generic design requirements for technical approval of FRP deck systems. The project included the formulation of design guidelines for fatigue. Tests were carried out on a full-scale glass FRP bridge deck under static and dynamic wheel loading. The loads were imposed using the TRL Trafficking Test Facility, which replicates the effects of the wheel of a heavy goods vehicle. The deck was subjected to over 4.6 million cycles of a 4 tonne wheel load, equivalent to 30–40 years of service traffic. A simpler approval test is proposed, applying stress cycles to small sections of deck to simulate the passage of wheels. The paper includes a description of the FRP deck, the testing and a summary of the performance of the deck.

Design of hybrid bridge girders with adhesively bonded and compositely acting FRP deck

Analytical prediction methods for axial stresses and deflections at the serviceability limit state and for ultimate failure loads are proposed for hybrid bridge girders consisting of FRP bridge decks adhesively bonded to steel girders. The methods allow for the consideration of partial shear connection layers in hybrid cross-sections. It was found that the adhesive bond always provides full composite action between FRP decks and steel girders, even in the case of flexible polyurethane adhesives with a layer thickness up to 50 mm. For pultruded bridge deck systems, however, the webs or diagonals between the upper and lower face panels provide only partial shear connection of the upper face panels in the longitudinal bridge direction. The results of these prediction methods were compared to experimental results from full-scale girders with two different pultruded FRP bridge deck systems and were found to match well.