Modular
FRP Concepts for Bridge Deck Replacement
Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration
The scope of this contract includes development of
analytical methods for FRP bridge decks based on the fundamental mechanics of
FRP materials and providing recommendations for design of future experimental
specimens based on manufacturing and construction considerations. Modular FRP
bridge deck research studies, analytical and design methods from mechanical and
aerospace engineering, manufacturing methods for FRP structural elements and construction
methods for highway bridges shall be assessed to assist in designing a research
program to develop FRP mechanics-based analytical methods, and modular FRP
bridge deck manufacturing and construction recommendations. Analytical methods
shall be developed for use at the material, structural element, member, and
whole bridge levels which shall be consistent with civil engineering-type
structural analysis, and mechanical and aerospace composites
design analysis. The analytical methods shall be derived from first principles
of analysis of anisotropic composite materials. Recommendations shall be made
for a program of research and development for the manufacture of, and
construction with, FRP bridge deck modules. The modules shall consist entirely
of FRP materials. FRP reinforced concrete or other combinations of deck
materials with FRP are beyond the scope of this study.
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