Characterization of a low-profile fiber-reinforced polymer deck system for moveable bridges

Jignesh S. Vyas, Lei Zhao*, Marcus H. Ansley, Jun Xia

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Moveable bridges in Florida typically use open steel grid decks due to weight limitations. However, these decks present rideability, environmental, and maintenance problems, as they are typically less skid resistant than a solid riding surface, create loud noises, and allow debris to fall through the grids. Replacing open steel grid decks with a lightweight fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) deck can improve rideability and reduce maintenance costs, simultaneously satisfying the strict weight requirement for such bridges. In this investigation, a new low-profile, pultruded FRP deck system successfully passed the preliminary strength and fatigue tests per AASHTO requirements. Two two-span deck specimens were tested, one with the strong direction of the deck placed perpendicular to the supporting girders, whereas the other had a deck placed with 30° skew. This paper also describes a simplified finite-element approach that simulates the load-deformation behavior of the deck system. The results from the finite-element model showed a good correlation with the deflection and strain values measured from the tests.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)55-65
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Bridge Engineering
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bridge decks
  • Fiber reinforced polymers
  • Florida

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