Field Performance of a New Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Deck

The field performance of a new bridge deck system composed of pultruded trapezoidal fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes wrapped in an outer wrap is described in this paper. The proof of concept FRP deck was installed on a rehabilitated bridge in Bolivar, New York, in 2012 as part of the Highways for LIFE Program from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Based on the field test, the writers developed a three-dimensional finite-element model of the bridge superstructure to further study the interaction of the FRP deck and girders. Experimental and analytical data was used to determine that no composite action was developed by the new deck-girder connection. Comparisons between distribution factors based on field measurements and standard specifications show that the lever rule should be used to estimate live load distribution in similar bridge girder spacing. The serviceability performance of the bridge was found adequate; girder deflections met standard limits, and while the FRP deck experienced deflections larger than typically allowed, they were confined to the localized area of the wheel load and would not affect bridge users.