Link to the University of Pittsburgh Homepage
Link to the University Library System Homepage Link to the Contact Us Form

EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVE WIDTH AND DISTRIBUTION FACTORS FOR GFRP BRIDGE DECKS SUPPORTED ON STEEL GIRDERS

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 (Unpublished)

[img]
Preview
PDF
Primary Text

Download (1MB) | Preview

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.


Share

Citation/Export:
Social Networking:
Share |

Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Moses, Jonathanjmoses@state.pa.us
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairHarries, Kent A
Committee MemberKoubaa, Amir
Committee MemberEarls, 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

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics


Actions (login required)

View Item View Item