Research Activities: 1999

Laboratory and Field Testing of FRP Composite Bridge Decks for City of St. James, Phelps County, Mo.

 

Status

Complete

View Report:

PDF 
 

Sequential Number

R27
 

Identification Number

R-5-38027
 

Matching Research Agency

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)
 

Principal Investigator

Dr. Halvard E. Nystrom, Assistant Professor
Engineering Management
University of Missouri-Rolla
Room 202 Engineering Management
Rolla, MO 65409
p(573) 341-4624
nystrom@mst.edu
 

Student Involvement

One (1) Ph.D. student
 

Project Objective

This project will demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of using FRP composite bridge decks in bridge construction.
 

Project Abstract

Three FRP composite bridges will be installed in the City of St. James. One of the bridges will be a full-depth FRP structure and two will be FRP decks supported by steel stringers. Conducting laboratory and field-testing of the bridge decks will evaluate bridge performance. The material properties of the FRP composites will be evaluated in the laboratory and in-situ load testing will be conducted on two of the bridges.
 

Task Description

Laboratory Testing - The mechanical properties of the FRP composite structure will be evaluated through laboratory testing. This includes the determination of the tensile strength and stiffness, in addition to the shear properties of the panel connections.

Field Testing - Two of the three project bridges, one full FRP composite bridge and one of the composite bridge decks, will be field tested elastically.

Analysis of Test Results and Final Report - A comprehensive report on the testing of the FRP composite bridges and test specimens will be generated.
 

Anticipated Benefits

This project will demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of using FRP composite bridges for new bridge construction and FRP composite bridge decks as a deck replacement technology. It will lead to both laboratory and in-situ validation of the technology of FRP composites for bridge construction.
 

Modal Orientation

N/A
 

Milestones

Project Start Date:05/01/2000
Project End Date:04/30/2001
 

Relationship to other Research/Projects

This project is being conducted in conjunction with a related project, entitled Laboratory and Field Testing of FRP-Reinforced Concrete Bridge for St. James, Phelps County, Mo.
 

Technology Transfer Activities

Technology transfer of project information will be conducted through the project deliverables, which include the following items: a report on the structural performance of the FRP test specimens, a report on the structural performance of the FRP bridge decks, a comprehensive report on the testing conducted, visual documentation (including photographs and video), and design, fabrication, and installation details as provided by the bridge manufacturer.
 

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Fiber reinforced polymer, bridge decks, bridge construction, in-situ load testing, and deck replacement