Structural GFRP Permanent Forms with T-Shape Ribs for Bridge Decks Supported by Precast Concrete Girders

A new concrete bridge deck cast onto glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) stay-in-place (SIP) structural forms is studied. The forms, which replace the bottom layer of conventional rebar, are essentially flat plates with T-up ribs. They span between support girders spaced at 1,772 mm and are lap-spliced using adhesive and mechanical fasteners. Special attention was given to the detailing of monolithic connections between the deck and girders to simulate continuity. The flange of the supporting concrete girders had a rough surface finish and protruded steel stirrups and mimicked AASHTO Type III girders. Five full-scale decks were tested to (1) compare the novel system with a conventional RC deck, (2) examine the effect of eliminating a top layer of orthogonal GFRP rebar, (3) assess a practice commonly used in bridge deck tests of using simple spans resting on neoprene pads, neglecting connection to girders, and (4) examine a commercially available all-GFRP deck, using the same GFRP panels but with a top GFRP plate fastened to the T-up ribs. Four auxiliary flexural specimens were tested to examine the lap-splice. The concrete deck with GFRP SIP form showed 33% higher strength than the conventional RC deck. It also achieved a peak load 7.8 times higher than the service load plus impact. Deflection under the service load was less than span/1,600. Remarkable deformability and pseudoductility was achieved at ultimate load, beyond punching shear, because of the progressive failure of the lap-splice. The simply supported deck failed at a slightly lower strength than the monolithically cast one but had a much lower stiffness.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000418
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/32947845
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Copyright © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Authors:
  • Nelson, Mark
  • Fam, Amir
• Publication Date: 2013-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 813-826
• Serial:
  • Journal of Bridge Engineering
  • Volume: 18
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1084-0702
  • Serial URL: http://ojps.aip.org/beo

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Bridge members; Concrete bridges; Deformation; Failure; Flexural strength; Girder bridges; Glass fiber reinforced plastics; Mechanical failure; Reinforcing materials; Stiffness
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I35: Miscellaneous Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01493525
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Sep 20 2013 4:26PM