FRP-Balsa Composite Sandwich Bridge Deck with Complex Core Assembly

The aim of this work was to investigate to what extent the performance of a glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) sandwich slab-bridge with a uniform high-density balsa core could be improved in terms of structural efficiency and weight by using a more complex core assembly. This core consisted of high-density and low-density balsa and a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) arch inserted into the balsa high/low density interface. Quasi-static load-bearing experiments on sandwich arch-beams with complex core assemblies under symmetric four-point and asymmetric three-point loading were performed. The FRP arch reduced the force in the upper face sheet in the mid-span region and thus prevented compression failure of the latter, which led to a higher ultimate load. It also contributed to the shear resistance by up to 20% for symmetric loading. The best overall performance in terms of structural efficiency (stiffness and resistance) and weight resulted from a core configuration with a GFRP arch between an upper high-density and lower low-density balsa core.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CC.1943-5614.0000435
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10900268
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Copyright © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers
• Authors:
  • Osei-Antwi, Michael
  • de Castro, Julia
  • Vassilopoulos, Anastasios P
  • Keller, Thomas
• Publication Date: 2013-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: References;
• Pagination: 04013011
• Serial:
  • Journal of Composites for Construction
  • Volume: 17
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1090-0268
  • EISSN: 1943-5614
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jccof2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bearing capacity; Bridge decks; Composite structures; Failure; Fiber reinforced polymers; Glass fibers; Sandwich construction
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01500022
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Nov 25 2013 10:02AM