Double-Layer Prefabricated FRP Grids for Rapid Bridge Deck Construction: Case Study

This paper presents a case study of prefabricated double-layer pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) grids for bridge deck construction. These grids were used to reinforce a 39.6 m long by 13.7 m wide (130 by 45 ft) bridge deck on U.S. Highway 151 over the De Neveu Creek in Wisconsin. The Federal Highway Administration Innovative Bridge Research and Construction Program invested resources in this effort to investigate new uses for off-the-shelf technologies in constructing highway bridges. The feasibility of modifying manufacturing techniques to create innovative double-layer, 3-D pultruded, FRP grids measuring 12.9 m long by 2.4 m wide by 16.5 cm deep (42 ft 6 in. by 8 ft by 6 1/2 in.) was studied. In addition, the feasibility of placing the grids rapidly and constructing a bridge deck was also demonstrated. The FRP grids were required to meet both prescriptive material and structural performance specifications. Shear connectors were designed by the manufacturer to join large top and bottom grids to form an integrated 3-D reinforcing module. From a construction perspective, the reinforcement grids were designed to be moved in a single lift of a crane and placed on the bridge girders. The paper reports on the development of the FRP, 3-D grids and provides details on construction aspects of the bridge project.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10900268
• Authors:
  • Bank, Lawrence C
  • Oliva, Michael G
  • Russell, Jeffrey S
  • Jacobson, David A
  • Conachen, Mack
  • Nelson, Bruce
  • McMonigal, Dennis
• Publication Date: 2006-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 204-212
• Serial:
  • Journal of Composites for Construction
  • Volume: 10
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1090-0268
  • EISSN: 1943-5614
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jccof2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Bridge engineering; Composite construction; Composite materials; Fiber reinforced plastics; Highway bridges; Prefabricated bridges; Prefabricated structures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fiber reinforced polymer grids; Rapid construction
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01026234
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 29 2006 9:12AM