Experimental and analytical study of hybrid GFRP/ concrete bridge deck

A novel cost-effective moveable hybrid GFRP/ Concrete deck system consists of corrugated pultruded GFRP plate with T-upstands for the tension part and concrete with distributing reinforcing bars for the compression part was proposed. Static tests on full-scale models with different influence factors under sagging moments were conducted and observed to evaluate the load-carrying capacity and failure modes of proposed hybrid deck system. The load and displacement relationship, ultimate flexural resistance, strain distribution on GFRP plate and concrete slab were measured during the test. Results from experimental work indicate that the concrete used for encasing corrugated pultruded GFRP plates not only increases its stiffness, but also prevents local buckling failure of the GFRP plate with T-upstands. On the basis of the experimental results of flexural load test for hybrid GFRP/concrete bridge deck, 3-D nonlinear finite element models are established to analyze the mechanical properties of suck deck. The load-displacement and load-stress curves of the finite element analysis are in good agreement with those of the tests in terms of strength and stiffness. The overall investigation showed that the presented hybrid GFRP/concrete concept is a viable option for beam-and-slab bridges.