Testing FRP bridge decks

The paper suggests a protocol for qualifying bridge deck systems based on experience obtained during a Federal Highway funded Highways for LIFE project that was completed in 2013. A full range of qualification tests was conducted, starting with characterization of materials at the coupon level, then subcomponent testing of custom pultruded tubes, mechanical testing of full scale structural panels in a laboratory, fire exposure, followed by service-critical details that included panel-to-panel field joints, connections to the bridge superstructure, railing attachment, and durability of the wearing surface. After installation on a bridge, load testing was done to evaluate the system as a whole, then, after three years of service, observations were made based on performance under actual operational and environmental conditions. Good correlation was obtained between the global finite element model analysis and the behavior of the as-built structure. Observations of unanticipated opening of the centerline field joint after an exceptionally cold winter indicate that a more detailed thermal analysis may be necessary to provide a model that accurately predicts joint behavior during seasonal thermal cycling.