Moses, Jonathan
(2006)
EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVE WIDTH AND DISTRIBUTION FACTORS FOR GFRP BRIDGE DECKS SUPPORTED ON STEEL GIRDERS.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bridge deck systems offer an attractive alternative to concrete decks, particularly for bridge rehabilitation projects. Current design practice treats GFRP deck systems in a manner similar to concrete decks. The results of this study, however, indicate that this may result in non-conservative design values for the bridge girders. Results from a number of in situ load tests of three steel girder bridges having the same (GFRP) deck system are used to determine the degree of composite action that may be developed and the transverse distribution of wheel loads that may be assumed for such structures. Results indicate that appropriately conservative design values may be found by assuming no composite action between GFRP deck and steel girder and using the lever rule to determine transverse load distribution. When used to replace an existing concrete deck, the lighter GFRP deck will result in lower total loads applied to the bridge structure, although, due to the decreased effective width and increased distribution factors, local flange stresses and particularly the live load-induced stress range is likely to be increased. Thus, existing fatigue-prone details may become a concern and require attention in design.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
| Title | Member | Email Address | Pitt Username | ORCID |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Harries, Kent A | | | | | Committee Member | Koubaa, Amir | | | | | Committee Member | Earls, Christopher | | | |
|
| Date: |
31 January 2006 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Defense Date: |
16 September 2005 |
| Approval Date: |
31 January 2006 |
| Submission Date: |
6 October 2005 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
Swanson School of Engineering > Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| Degree: |
MSCE - Master of Science in Civil Engineering |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
bridge decks; distribution factors; FRP; GFRP; composite; effective width |
| Other ID: |
http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-10062005-182143/, etd-10062005-182143 |
| Date Deposited: |
10 Nov 2011 20:02 |
| Last Modified: |
15 Nov 2016 13:50 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9440 |
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