Structural behavior of FRP sandwich panels for bridge decks

This paper presents the analytical and experimental investigations performed to evaluate the structural behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Honeycomb Sandwich Panels (HCSPs) used for bridge decks. The analytical investigation includes modeling FRP HCSPs using three Finite Element Models (FEM) and a simplified I-beam model. Comparing analysis results of the four models against experimental data from literature indicated that the simplified I-beam modeling method provides comparable accuracy while being computationally efficient. The experimental investigation includes flexure, creep, and fatigue testing of three full-scale HCSPs. Flexure testing was performed to estimate the linear stiffness and flexural capacity of the panel for calibrating the developed analytical models. Creep testing was performed by monitoring the panel behavior under sustained load for a six-month period using a wireless sensor system. Creep test results indicated that FRP HCSPs have insignificant creep deformations under service loads and room temperature. Fatigue testing performed for two-million cycles indicated that FRP HCSPs have adequate resistance to cyclic loads. On the other hand, static load testing of the fatigued panel showed a significant decrease in the panel stiffness.