Assessment of Load Transfer and Load Distribution in Bridges Utilizing FRP Panels |
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Authors: | Danielle D Kleinhans John J Myers Antonio Nanni |
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Affiliation: | 1Project Manager, CTLGroup, 5400 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL 60077. E-mail: dkleinhans@ctlgroup.com 2Associate Professor of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Missouri-Rolla, Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies, 325 Butler-Carlton CE Hall, Rolla, MO 65409. E-mail: jmyers@umr.edu 3Dept. Chair and Professor of Civil Engineering, Univ. of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, McArthur Engineering Building, Rm. 325, Coral Gables, FL 33146. E-mail: nanni@miami.edu
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Abstract: | A primary means of demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bridge materials is via in situ bridge load testing. For this study, the prescribed or assumed design factors for each of the study bridges were compared to those exhibited by the performance of the bridge. Specifically, the wheel load distribution factors and impact factors as defined by AASHTO were considered in order to assess the load transfer and distribution in structures utilizing FRP panels. The in situ testing configurations for the study bridges are outlined, including the truck and instrumentation placement to obtain the desired information. Furthermore, comparisons were drawn between the design values for deflection and those experienced by the structures during testing. It was found that although the deflections exhibited by the bridges were well within the design limits, further research is needed to be able to prescribe bridge design factors for FRP panels. |
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Keywords: | Bridge design Bridges composite In situ tests Impact loads Load distribution Load transfer Fiber reinforced polymers Panels |
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