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Performance Comparison of Four Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Deck Panels |
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| Authors: | Reiner M. W. Reising Bahram M. Shahrooz Victor J. Hunt Andy R. Neumann Arthur J. Helmicki |
| Affiliation: | 1Formerly, Doctoral Research Assistant, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Cincinnati, 765 Baldwin Hall, Cincinnati, OH?45221-0071. 2Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Cincinnati, 765 Baldwin Hall, Cincinnati, OH?45221-0071. 3Research Assistant Professor, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science, Univ. of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH?45221-0030. 4Former Graduate Research Assistant, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Cincinnati, 765 Baldwin Hall, Cincinnati, OH?45221-0071. 5Associate Professor, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science, Univ. of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH?45221-0030. |
| Abstract: | In an effort to assess the constructability and performance of bridges with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite decks, the short-term and long-term responses of a 207 m, five-span bridge retrofitted with four different FRP panel systems were monitored. The overall aspects of the panel systems, connection details, and construction techniques are presented prior to presentation of the observed and measured responses. Key design parameters (impact factors, girder distribution factors, and level of composite action) for FRP and reinforced concrete decks are evaluated. This paper demonstrates that FRP replacement decks are a viable alternative to reinforced concrete decks and identifies the differences in performances of various FRP deck systems. Two of the FRP panel systems were found to perform considerably better than the other deck systems. Issues that may reduce the service life of FRP deck systems are presented and discussed. |
| Keywords: | Bridges Bridge decks Fiber reinforced polymers Field tests Impact forces Thermal factors Performance evaluation |