Citation

McCormick FC. Transp. Res. Rec. 1987; 1118: 88-98.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A discussion of the behavior of the superstructure of a pedestrian bridge fabricated with glass-reinforced plastic under a field load test is presented. Experimental measurements of elastic vertical deflections were 1.8 times greater than those predicted by means of a finite element solution. A live load of 3.5 times the dead load of the superstructure and polymer concrete deck was used for the elastic load test. Elastic strains were uniform among the different elements of the superstructure and computed stresses did not exceed 10,000 lbf/sq in. at full live load. A residual deflection in the superstructure of 0.10 in. on removal of the live load was concentrated in the supports. Creep deflection and strain measurements recorded over 61 days indicated that negligible creep occurred under a load of 2.6 times the dead load. Air temperature variations produced pronounced changes in deflection and strain readings, but were reversible. The overall structural behavior of the bridge and resistance to handling abuse exceeded expectations.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1987/1118/1118-014.pdf


TRT Terms: Bridge superstructures; Creep; Deflection; Elastic analysis; Field studies; Footbridges; Glass fiber reinforced plastics; Load tests; Reinforced plastics; Strain measurement; Structural analysis; Structural mechanics; Temperature
Uncontrolled Terms: Structural behavior
Old TRIS Terms: Elastic analysis (Structural)
Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Language: en

Keywords

BEAMS AND GIRDERS - Deflection; BRIDGES, CONCRETE; BRIDGES, PLATE GIRDER - Stresses; CONCRETE REINFORCEMENTS; PLASTICS, REINFORCED - Glass Fiber