00962930

Monograph

http://onlinepubs.trb.org...ail/HSR-23Final_report.pdf

The objective of this High-Speed Rail (HSR) Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) project was to develop a cost-competitive alternative to conventional steel or reinforced concrete beams that would be lighter in weight and more resistant to corrosion. The concept explored was a composite structural beam system using both plastic and concrete components. The components of the beam are a shell, compression reinforcement, and tension reinforcement. The shell is comprised of a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) box beam. The compression reinforcement consists of portland cement concrete that is pumped into a profiled foam conduit within the beam shell. The tension reinforcement consists of carbon, glass or steel fibers anchored at the ends of the concrete arch. Project tasks included a life-cycle cost comparison of a generic hybrid-composite beam system with conventional beam systems. Research to identify the materials most suitable for hybrid-composite beam fabrication, including best fiber and matrix composition, and concrete mix designs, was performed. A hybrid-composite beam system was designed based on such criteria as bending shear, live-load deflections, and fatigue. An analysis of the proposed design using mathematical models was performed and design modifications made based on results of these analyses. A 19-ft scale model prototype of the beam system was designed and fabricated. Tests of the prototype beam system were conducted, and test data compared with mathematical model predictions. Findings indicated that bridges constructed with the hybrid-composite girders would have the same strength and stiffness characteristics as bridges constructed using steel or prestressed girders, but would offer greater corrosion resistance and increased load carrying capacity at a competitive cost.

This HSR-IDEA project was conducted by Teng and Associates, Inc., Chicago, Illinois. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved

HSR-IDEA Project 23

English

36 p.

2003-8

High-Speed Rail IDEA Program Project Final Report

Figures (8) ; References (7) ; Tables (7)

Bearing capacity; Bending; Box beams; Composite structures; Corrosion resistance; Cost effectiveness; Deflection; Fatigue (Mechanics); Fiber reinforced plastics; Life cycle costing; Material reinforcement; Mathematical models; Mathematical prediction; Prototype tests; Pumped concrete; Railroad bridges; Shells (Structural forms); Technological innovations; Tension

Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) (Program)

Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Finance; Highways; Railroads

TRIS, TRB

Sep 30 2003 12:00AM