FATIGUE STUDY OF A GRP PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE. FINAL REPORT

Static and cyclic load tests were conducted on a 16-ft long bridge constructed with fiberglass materials. Approximately 1.6 million cycles of loads were applied to the deck to study the fatigue characteristics of the bridge. The location and magnitude of the loads were selected to accelerate failure of elements and joints in the structure. Upon completion of the cyclic load program, an ultimate static load of 16,640 lb was reached before the bridge failed. Experimental strains, deflections, and acoustic emissions were monitored during the load tests. Test results indicated that cracks in the bonded joints formed and extended under cyclic loading. The strength of the bridge was not impaired with the development of the cracks, but deflections increased progressively with the growth of the cracks. Viscoelastic creep occurred to a minor extent during sustained loading. A theoretical analysis of the behavior of the bridge was conducted by means of a finite element model. The agreement between the experimental and theoretical investigations were satisfactory. Recommendations are offered to improve the performance of the structure.

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• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/19142
• Corporate Authors:

  Virginia Highway and Transportation Research Council

  Charlottesville, VA  United States 

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • McCormick, F C
• Publication Date: 1986-12

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: 83 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acoustic emission tests; Breaking loads; Deflection; Fiberglass; Footbridges; Glass fiber reinforced plastics; Load tests; Repeated loads; Static loads; Strain (Mechanics)
• Old TRIS Terms: Static loading; Strains
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00463148
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/VA-87/7, VHTRC 87-R7
• Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 31 1988 12:00AM