01090777

Component

FRP sandwich panels have been used for bridge decks for ten years. FRP materials exhibit different properties than traditional materials. These properties include thermal transfer coefficients and thermal expansion coefficients. Most FRP used in bridge deck construction is made of glass fibers and various polymers. These are insulators, so do not conduct heat well. As a consequence, top surface temperature would be significantly higher than bottom surface temperature under the summer sun. In contrast, the opposite would occur during the night in the winter. This temperature difference would induce bridge thermal deflection. In Sept. 2004, 12 thermal sensors were embedded into the first composite bridge built in the US: no-name creek FRP bridge. In addition, three laser sensors were installed to measure bridge thermal deflection. Between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2005, bridge temperature and deflection were measured at 20 minute intervals. Data were transferred to a computer in the composite laboratory at Kansas State University through a wireless connection. Relations between weather condition, temperature distribution and bridge deflection were analyzed. Results showed temperature induced deflection is on the same order or greater than that induced by traffic loads. Therefore, temperature induced deflection needs to be considered in FRP bridge deck design.

01084478

08-1137

English

10p

2008

Transportation Research Board 87th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures (11) ; Photos (1) ; References (4)

Bridge decks; Bridge design; Deflection tests; Fiber reinforced plastics; Glass fibers; Lasers; Remote sensing; Temperature measurement; Thermal properties; Weather conditions

Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I35: Miscellaneous Materials

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2008 Paper #08-1137

TRIS, TRB

Jan 29 2008 3:29PM