Experimental investigation on behavior of FRP-concrete-steel composite bridge decks with perfobond ribs

The ultimate behavior of a steel- GFRP- concrete composite bridge deck with perfobond rib shear connectors was experimentally and numerically investigated. The composite construction consists of multiple steel box cells as a core, GFRP layer as a tension zone and a concrete slab for the compression zone. To provide longitudinal shear resistance between the steel core and the concrete slab, perfobond ribs were used. Structural performance of the deck under static loading was evaluated. The load- displacement relationship, ultimate flexural resistance, and failure of the specimen were measured during the test. It was found that the ultimate failure of the composite deck occurs by longitudinal cracking at the concrete slab and no debonding take place at the interface between concrete slab and steel boxes, so perfobond ribs can be effectively used for shear connection in proposed composite decks. The bridge deck is cost effective and meets the stiffness requirement and has significant strength

Keywords:

Composite bridge decks , concrete , Steel , FRP , Perfobond rib , Experiment