Abstract
This paper presents the analytical and experimental investigations performed to evaluate the structural behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Honeycomb Sandwich Panels (HCSPs) used for bridge decks. The analytical investigation includes modeling FRP HCSPs using three Finite Element Models (FEM) and a simplified I-beam model. Comparing analysis results of the four models against experimental data from literature indicated that the simplified I-beam modeling method provides comparable accuracy while being computationally efficient. The experimental investigation includes flexure, creep, and fatigue testing of three full-scale HCSPs. Flexure testing was performed to estimate the linear stiffness and flexural capacity of the panel for calibrating the developed analytical models. Creep testing was performed by monitoring the panel behavior under sustained load for a six-month period using a wireless sensor system. Creep test results indicated that FRP HCSPs have insignificant creep deformations under service loads and room temperature. Fatigue testing performed for two-million cycles indicated that FRP HCSPs have adequate resistance to cyclic loads. On the other hand, static load testing of the fatigued panel showed a significant decrease in the panel stiffness.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Alagusundaramoorthy, P., Harik, I. E., and Choo, C. C. (2006). “Structural behavior of FRP composite bridge deck panels.” ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 384–393.
Alnahhal, W. I., Chiewanichakorn, M., Aref, A. J., and Alampalli, S. (2006). “Temporal thermal behavior and damage simulations of FRP deck.” ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 452–464.
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), (2007). AASHTO LRFD Bridge design specifications 4 th edition, AASHTO, Washington, DC, U.S.A.
Cheng, L. and Karbhari, V. M. (2006). “Fatigue behavior of a steel-free FRP-concrete modular bridge deck system.” ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 474–488.
Cole, T. A., Lopez, M., and Ziehl, P. H. (2006). “Fatigue behavior and nondestructive evaluation of full-scale FRP honeycomb bridge specimen.” ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 420–429.
Davalos, J. F. and Chen A., (2005). “Buckling behavior of honeycomb FRP core with partially restrained loaded edges under out-of-plane compression.” ASCE Journal of Composite Materials, Vol. 39, No. 6, pp. 1465–1485.
Davalos, J. F. Qiao, P., Xu X. F., Robinson, J. and Barth, K. E. (2001). “Modeling and characterization of fiber-reinforced plastic honeycomb sandwich panels for highway bridge applications.” Composite Structures, Vol. 52, Nos. 3–4, pp. 441–452.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) (2008). “Current practices in FRP composites technology FRP bridge decks and superstructures, completed FRP deck project.” 〈http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/frp/index.cfm> (March 9, 2010)
Kalny, O. and Peterman, R. R. J. (2003). Performance investigation of a fiber reinforced composite honeycomb deck for bridge applications, Report: KDOT/RE/0292-01, Kansas State University, U.S.A.
Keller, T. and Gurtler, H. (2005). “Quasi-static and fatigue performance of a cellular FRP bridge deck adhesively bonded to steel girders.” Composite Structures, Vol.70, No. 4, pp. 484–496.
Kumar, P., Chandrashekhara, K., and Nanni, A. (2004). “Structural performance of a FRP bridge deck.” Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 35–47.
Noor, A. K., Burton, W. S., and Bert, C. W. (1996). “Computational models for sandwich panels and shells.” Applied Mechanics Reviews, Vol. 49, No. 3, pp. 155–199.
Oghumu, S. O. (2005). Finite modeling approach and performance evaluation of fiber reinforced polymer sandwich bridge panels, Master’s Thesis., Louisiana State University, Louisiana, U.S.A.
Rabczuk T., Kim J. Y., Samaniego E., and Belytschko T. (2004) “Homogenization of sandwich structures.” International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, Vol. 61, pp. 1009–1027.
Rabczuk T., Samaniego E., and Belytschko T. (2007) “Simplified model for predicting impulsive loads on submerged structures to account for fluid-structure interaction.” International Journal of Impact Engineering, Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 163–177
Scott, D. W., Lai, J. S., and Zureick, A. (1995). “Creep behavior of fiber-reinforced polymeric composites: a review of the technical literature.” Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, Vol. 14, No. 6, pp. 588–617.
Shenoi, R. A., Allen, H. G., and Clark, S. D. (1997). “Cyclic creep and creep-fatigue interaction in sandwich beams.” Journal of Strain Analysis, Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 1–18.
Tuan, C. (2001). A fiber-reinforced plastic pedestrian bridge in Aurora, Nebraska, Internal Report #2001-1, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, U.S.A.
Wattanadechachan, P., Aboutaha, R., Hag-Elsafi, O., and Alampalli, S. (2006). “Thermal compatibility and durability of wearing surfaces on GFRP bridge decks.” ASCE, Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 465–473.
Wu, H., Fu, G., Gibson, R. F. Yan, A., Warnemuende, K., and Anumandla, V. (2006). “Durability of FRP composite bridge deck materials under freeze-thaw and low temperature conditions.” ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 443–551.
Wu, H. C., Mu, B., and Warnemuende, K. (2003). “Failure analysis of FRP sandwich bus panels by finite element method.” Composites Part B: Engineering, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 51–58.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Morcous, G., Cho, Y., El-Safty, A. et al. Structural behavior of FRP sandwich panels for bridge decks. KSCE J Civ Eng 14, 879–888 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-010-1025-4
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-010-1025-4