Structural Performance of Concrete Bridge Deck with Internal FRP Reinforcement

In-situ load tests were performed for a highway bridge with deck containing a novel FRP grillage system. Strains under the deck and top and bottom flanges of girders at various locations were recorded when dump trucks were placed on the bridge. Loading protocols were designed to evaluate: (a) the bridge deck deflection relative to the girders; (b) girder lane load distribution factors; (c) transverse wheel loading distribution widths; and (d) strain distribution over the height of the girder-deck composite section. It was found that lane load distribution factors for wide-flange bulb-tee composite bridge girder systems can be computed accurately with standard design/analysis procedures found in modem bridge specifications. The strain gradients over the height of girders clearly exhibit composite behavior. There was no significant degradation of this bridge from 2005 to 2007.