Original Article | 2008, Vol.30, No.4, pp. 501-508
Experimental evaluation and field implementation of FRP bridge deck modules
Woraphot Prachasaree and Vimala Shekar
pp. 501 - 508
Abstract
Construction of highway bridge decks using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite deck and superstructure modules in lieu of concrete decks has proven to be feasible. However, FRP’s are not widely accepted yet despite their benefits such as non-corrosiveness, higher strength to weight ratio, and better fatigue resistance than conventional materials. Lack of wider usage of FRP material is mainly attributed to the absence of: 1) standardized test procedures, 2) design specifications, and 3) construction procedures. The higher initial cost is also inhibiting bridge engineers in selecting FRP modules as highway bridge super structural systems. Implementation of FRP composites technology for highway bridge decks leads to higher safety and lower life cycle costs. Significant ongoing research and development of FRP deck modules as illustrated herein, has proven to enhance deck module properties in developing FRP modules with enhanced structural performance. Prodeck 4 is one such multicellular deck that was recently developed, and extensively evaluated for static and fatigue loads, and its response results are presented herein. From rigorous testing, it was concluded that Prodeck 4 could resist AASHTO HS 25 loading with maximum stringer spacing of 48 inches. This led to construction of two bridges (one in Ohio and other in West Virginia) using Prodeck 4 as decking.
