Testing and Health Monitoring of an Integrally Molded Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bridge

An integrally molded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge was instrumented to monitor both the short-term load response of the bridge and long-term behavior of the FRP superstructure. The bridge consisted of eight FRP panels with beams and deck molded together. The bridge was instrumented and monitored for a period of approximately one year. A series of truckload tests were performed during this time to measure the deflections at various locations. Continuous monitoring recorded the transverse movement of the FRP panels at certain joint locations. The panels experienced more movement at colder temperatures than at warmer temperatures due to the opening and closing of the panel gaps caused by thermal expansion and contraction. A finite element model of the bridge was developed using SAP2000 and results from the model were compared to the truckload test results. The initial finite element model was revised to include the panel to panel connections. The model showed good agreement with the test data. A study of bridge response under a panel to panel connection failure was investigated using the developed finite element model. The panels along a failed joint experienced a significant change in terms of deflection responses, but the effect was largely localized to these panels. In general, there was no major change in the maximum stress in the bridge when a connection failed. Overall, experimental data and analytical results have demonstrated that the FRP bridge is behaving satisfactorily.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Engineering and Applied Science: Civil Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Cincinnati

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Behrends, Michael A.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Shahrooz, Bahram

• Civil Engineering
• Fiber Reinforced Polymer
• FRP
• Panel Movement

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1353100162

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:ucin1353100162