Optimum design of FRP rib core bridge deck

In this paper, an optimum design methodology is presented for Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bridge decks having one way rib core cross section. The ribs are considered to be oriented in the transverse direction only. The behavior of a typical representative bridge panel of dimension 2 m x 1 m is studied in the present investigation. The panel is simply supported in two opposite edges while the other edges are taken as free. The panel is subjected to self weight and imposed live load as per IRC 70R loading for the tracked vehicle. The thicknesses of the top and bottom face plates; thickness, depth and number of ribs in the core are considered as the basic design parameters for the structural optimization. The material properties adopted for different components are treated as invariable. The optimization has been performed by following different criteria based on deflection limit, buckling and failure load. Graphical User Interface (GUI) of ABAQUS CAE has been utilized for the parametric modeling in which the PYTHON scripts are modified. The design parameters are varied to obtain different trial solutions. The optimum dimensions are finalized based on the solutions corresponding to the minimum volume of the FRP materials. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.