ABSTRACT
Advanced composite materials are rapidly developing as construction materials for bridges. To facilitate the implementation of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite bridge decks, it is necessary to develop simplified design analysis methods. In this paper, a series approximation solution accounting for first-order shear deformation and transverse interaction forces between cellular FRP decks and stringers is developed. The solutions for symmetric and antisymmetric load cases are formulated; the asymmetric load case condition is solved based on superposition principles. The approximate interaction force function is then used to define load distribution factors that represent the overall behavior of the bridge superstructure. Consistent with design methods for highway bridges given in AASHTO, simplified design guidelines for FRP deck-and-stringer bridge systems are given, followed by an illustrative design example of the complete design procedure. The design analysis presented in this paper can be used to propose efficient and simplified design equations for new and replacement highway bridge decks.
