Development of hybrid FRP-concrete bridge deck system

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have continued to play an important role in solving some of persistent problems in infrastructure applications because of the high specific strength, lightweight, and durability. In this study, the concept of hybrid fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-concrete structural systems previously developed by the authors was applied to a bridge deck. The hybrid FRP-concrete deck system is intended to have durable, structurally sound, and cost effective hybrid system that will take full advantage of the inherent properties of both FRP materials and concrete. The proposed system consists of trapezoidal FRP cell units surrounded by an FRP outer shell forming a bridge deck. A thin layer of concrete was placed in the compression zone. Concrete was confined by GFRP laminates that protect it from the environmental exposure. The concrete layer reduces the local deformation of the top surface of the bridge under concentrated loads. Webs of the box section were designed at an incline to reduce shear force between sections. The structural behavior of the hybrid bridge deck on steel girders was evaluated by series of service flexural loading tests under flexural loading conditions. The results of this experimental study showed that the combination of FRP composites and concrete provide a promising advancement in civil infrastructure applications.