Field monitoring of two fiber reinforced polymer bridges: Fid-Bau Portal

Field monitoring of two fiber reinforced polymer bridges

Shekar, V. / Aluri, S. / Laosiriphong, K. / Petro, S. / GangaRao, H.

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite bridge decks are gaining attention of bridge owners because of their low self weight, corrosion resistance and ease of installation. The Constructed Facilities Center at West Virginia University working with the Federal Highway Administration and West Virginia Department of Transportation has developed three different FRP decking systems and installed several FRP deck bridges in West Virginia and other states. In the current study controlled truck bad tests were performed on two FRP deck bridges namely, Katy Truss Bridge and Market Street Bridge in West Virginia. The response measurements on the two bridges included deck and stringer strains, and 3) deflections, deck temperatures and deck accelerations. Static response parameters computed from measured data are: 1) degree of compositeness, 2) Transverse Load Distribution Factor (TLDF), deck and stringer strains. Dynamic response parameters such as Dynamic Load Allowance (DLA) factors, natural frequencies, damping ratios and deck acceleration were also evaluated. This paper compares the static and dynamic response of the two bridges to check against the design criteria proposed by CFC to AASHTO TEA21 committee. Static response of the two bridges indicates that there is no degradation due to environmental conditions and high traffic volumes in the FRP decks and the deck-stringer connections. Dynamic response of the two bridges reveals excessive vibrations which are perceptible to the users even though the measured DLA factors are within design limits.