| This thesis presents a study of the structural feasibility of using fibrous composites in bridge decks. Fiber reinforced plastic bridge decks provide less weight, resistance to environmental corrosion, and reduction in erection and traffic routing costs.;Extensive finite element analysis was performed to determine the shape that will best satisfy stress and deflection limits. The AASHTO code was used for load and deflection requirements.;Six small elements and a seven foot wide bridge deck were tested under fatigue loads. The acoustic emission technique was employed to evaluate the extent and intensity of crack propagation in the structures. Strain and deflection readings were obtained to determine the stiffness loss of the bridge deck.;Acoustic emission results were very consistent, in most cases, with visual crack detection. Strain readings indicated that localized debonding took place in high moment areas. Deflection studies showed that minor stiffness loss took place in the seven foot FRP bridge deck. |
