Fatigue evaluation of composite bridge decks

Published: 2002

Author(s):

Dutta P. K.
Kwon S. C.
Durell G.
Lopez-Anido R.

Publication Name: Proceedings of the Tenth U.S.-Japan Conference on Composite Materials

Publication URL: https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=PpgllUd77HEC&oi=fnd&pg=PA336&dq=Fatigue+evaluation+of+composite+bridge+decks&ots=Y92RO1o7rw&sig=kjxGQe9dJMoyT58nVXcs9uplpiY#v=onepage&q=Fatigue%20evaluation%20of%20composite%20bridge%20decks&f=false

Research Area:

Transportation Infrastrucutre Durability

Keywords:

Infrastructure Durability, Structural Testing

Abstract:

This paper summarizes the results of the fatigue test of four composite bridge decks in extreme temperatures (-30°C and 50°C). The work was performed as part of a research program to evaluate and install multiple FRP bridge deck systems in Dayton, Ohio. A two-span continuous concrete deck was also built on three steel girders for the benchmark tests. Simulated wheel loads were applied simultaneously at two points by two servo-controlled hydraulic actuators specially designed and fabricated to perform under extreme temperatures. Quasi-static load-deflection and load-strain characteristics were determined at predetergniped fatigue cycle levels. Except for slight reduction in stiffness, no significant distress was observed in any of the composite deck prototypes during ten million load cycles. The effects of extreme temperatures and accumulated load cycles on the load-deflection and load-strain response of FRP composite and FRP-concrete hybrid bridge decks are discussed based on the experimental results.