Construction of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Modular Decks for Highway Bridges

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have shown great potential as alternative bridge construction materials to conventional materials such as steel and concrete. This is especially valid in the field of repair and rehabilitation of existing bridges as well as in new bridge construction. The acceptance of composites in the highway bridge industry is mainly due to their superior properties such as high strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and fatigue resistance. Moreover, FRPs are well suited for mass production of structural shapes because of their high strength-to-weight ratios, which has resulted in the rapid installation of FRP modular decks on highway bridges. Details related to the construction of FRP modular decks as replacements on existing highway bridge superstructures are provided. In addition, details on shipping, handling, erection, assembly, deck-to-deck connections, deck-to-stringer connections, joints, and wearing surfaces are discussed.

Fatigue Behavior of Prestressed Tubular Bridge Deck of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

“…The FRP deck system for the Tyler Road Bridge is a modification of TechDeck, as described earlier. The importance of identifying fatigue behavior of FRP decks has been underlined in a number of pilot studies and gap analyses (5,6). Kumar and GangaRao ( 7) studied the fatigue behavior of concrete decks reinforced with FRP rods and reported no loss of bond between the concrete and the reinforcement.…”

Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Bridges in West Virginia

“…All the field joints can be reinforced with two layers of 24 to 26 oz fabric. The best adhesive bonding results are obtained when the E-glass fabric is bonded in the late afternoon of a hot day (i.e., 5 to 6 p.m.) after most of the water from the joint has evaporated (7 ).…”

Theoretical and experimental analysis of FRP bridge decks under thermal loads

“…One of the recent concerns with FRP decks is the wearing surface delamination after a short in service duration. The wearing surface problem can be solved by following the proper installation procedures and using the proper materials (Shekar, Petro, and GangaRao 2002). Several technical and quality control issues may be the cause of the wearing surface problems.…”

“…Another potential delamination problem can occur when the FRP deck surface is not properly cleaned before installing the wearing surface. Also, field joints in each panel of the FRP deck should be reinforced by layers of composite fabric, as well as sanded for a clean surface (without FRP gel coat) (Shekar, Petro, and GangaRao, 2002) before installing wearing surface.…”