BEHAVIOUR OF BRIDGE DECKS REINFORCED BY GFRP

Abstract

This paper describes the behaviour of a full-scale highway bridge deck model reinforced by glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcements and tested under static loading conditions simulating the effect of a truck wheel load. Load-deflection behaviour, crack patterns, strain distribution and failure mode are reported. The measured values are compared to values calculated based on an analytical model developed using non-linear finite element analysis. The ultimate load carrying capacity is compared to a number of values based on international codes. The effective width and the angle of distribution of the wheel load distribution are evaluated. The effect of the reinforcement ratio and type of reinforcement on the behaviour of bridge decks are presented.