Experiments on a Hybrid-Composite Beam for Bridge Applications

This paper details a study of the structural behavior of hybrid-composite beams (FICBs), which consist of a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) shell with a tied concrete arch. The HCB offers advantages in life-cycle costs through reduced transportation weight and increased corrosion resistance. This stu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Transportation research record 2013-01, Vol.2 (2332), p.43-52
Main Authors: Van Nosdall, Stephen, Moen, Cristopher D, Cousins, Thomas E, Roberts-Wollmann, Carin L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arch bridges
Arches
Beams (structural)
Fiber reinforced plastics
Loads (forces)
Shells
Strain
Transportation
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Summary:This paper details a study of the structural behavior of hybrid-composite beams (FICBs), which consist of a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) shell with a tied concrete arch. The HCB offers advantages in life-cycle costs through reduced transportation weight and increased corrosion resistance. This study focused on the identification of the load paths and load sharing between the arch and FRP shell in an HCB and on the test of an HCB with a composite bridge deck. Tests were performed through the application of point loads on simple span beams (before the bridge deck was placed) and with a three-beam, skewed composite bridge system, which resulted in strain data for the arch and FRP shell. The test results showed that strain behavior was linear elastic at service loads, and the FRP shell had a linear strain profile. Curvature from strain data was used to find internal bending forces, and the proportion of load within the arch was found.
ISSN:0361-1981
2169-4052
DOI:10.3141/2332.05