FRP system for bridge deck replacement In the USA vigorous research has been conducted over many

years in the developme nt of bridge decks using composite materials (Henriquez et al. 1997). An initial study carried out on Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Bridge Deck highlighted the advantage s over traditional systems. Relatively lightweight, which means that the live load carrying capacity can be maintained or increased. The modular units can be fabricated off-site, delivered and quickly assembled wh ich represents a potential cost saving in construction. Composites will resist a wide range of corrosive environments. Five different configurations were considered before finally selecting the X-sha pe shown in Figure 8.13 which also shows the sequential build-up process. After exhaustive analytical work non-destructive load tests were carried out to study the effects of fatigue. It was found that only minor damage was observed after sever al million cycles, and it was confirmed that stiffness and fatigue (rather than stress and strength) control FRP deck design. Ways of connecting the deck to longitudinal steel girde rs have been developed and a suitable wearing surface to provide skid resistance, protec tion from chemical attack, abrasion, freeze-thaw cycles and weathering has been achieved. The deck is currently undergoing field testing in Virginia. If successful, and economically viable, the FRP system could provide a satisfactory solution for th e replacement of severely damaged timber or concrete decks and also be employed in new designs. Modular FRP composite deck system for bridge deck replacement Another FRP contender for replacing damaged timber or concrete decks is a modula r system being developed in the USA under the auspices of the US Army Corps of Engineers (Lopez-Anido and Ganga Rao 1997) and extensive research and developmen t has been underway at West Virginia University to establish the most efficient sh ape and fibre architecture. The chosen pultruded structural shapes and dimensions of the FRP deck modules ar e shown in Figure 8.14. The modules are bonded together and placed transversely to the direction of the traffic on longitudinal beams which can be spaced up to 2.74 m (9 ft) apart. To conform to the average thickness of concrete decks in the state, the Virginia Department of Transport have recommended a constant depth of 203 mm (8 ins) so that the FRP system can be used for concrete deck replacement. They have used the system on several bridges in Virginia and so far they have performed excellently (Rao and Craigo 1999). The composite material comprises a group of untwisted parallel strands called ro ving and triaxial stitched fabrics with binderless chopped strand mats (CSM) in a mat

rix of vinyl ester 580 N resin. This material is pultruded to form the deck modules, wh ich are later bonded together using an adhesive applied at the fabrication plant. Panels of the order of 10 m (32 ft) square can be fabricated in this way and easily transported to s ite. (see Figure 8.15). Composite action between the FRP and the supporting beams is made possible by a combination of blind bolts (pioneered by Lopez-Anido and Ganga Rao ) and a two-part polyurethane adhesive. Finally the surfacing is applied in the form o f a thin (1 cm) polymer concrete overlay. Although the initial costs are higher than for concrete decks, the authors quote the following significant advantages. Reduction in erection time and seasonal costs due to prefabrication. High load ratings due to high strength-to-weight ratio of the FRP deck which has 6 to 7 times the load capacity of a reinforced concrete decks, and is 80% lighter. Long service life and reduction in maintenance costs due to fatigue and corrosio nresistant properties.