| Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite bridge decks are gaining attention of bridge owners because of their light self weight, corrosion resistance and ease of installation. The lighter weight and lower stiffness of the FRP decks combined with the lower level of damping (than concrete) can lead to excessive deck vibrations and may substantially increase the dynamic amplification of induced stress and deflections. Also, a global NDE technique using dynamic characterization is necessary to ensure the long term performance of FRP bridges. Therefore, an extensive study on FRP decks and FRP bridges is carried out both at laboratory and in the field to evaluate their dynamic characteristics including natural frequencies, mode shapes, acceleration values, dynamic load allowance (DLA) factors, and damping ratios.; Controlled truck load tests are also conducted on three FRP bridges namely Katy Truss Bridge, Market Street Bridge, and Laurel Lick Bridge in the state of West Virginia. The dynamic response parameters evaluated for the three bridges include DLA factors, natural frequencies, damping ratios and deck accelerations caused by moving test trucks. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
