An integrally molded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge was instrumented to monitor both the short-term load response of the bridge and long-term behavior of the FRP superstructure. The bridge consisted of eight FRP panels with beams and deck molded together. The bridge was instrumented and monitored for a period of approximately one year. A series of truckload tests were performed during this time to measure the deflections at various locations. Continuous monitoring recorded the transverse movement of the FRP panels at certain joint locations. The panels experienced more movement at colder temperatures than at warmer temperatures due to the opening and closing of the panel gaps caused by thermal expansion and contraction. A finite element model of the bridge was developed using SAP2000 and results from the model were compared to the truckload test results. The initial finite element model was revised to include the panel to panel connections. The model showed good agreement with the test data. A study of bridge response under a panel to panel connection failure was investigated using the developed finite element model. The panels along a failed joint experienced a significant change in terms of deflection responses, but the effect was largely localized to these panels. In general, there was no major change in the maximum stress in the bridge when a connection failed. Overall, experimental data and analytical results have demonstrated that the FRP bridge is behaving satisfactorily.

Advanced Fibre-reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for Structural Applications, Second Edition provides updates on new research that has been carried out on the use of FRP composites for structural applications. These include the further development of advanced FRP composites materials that achieve lighter and stronger FRP composites, how to enhance FRP integrated behavior through matrix modification, along with information on pretension treatments and intelligence technology. The development of new technology such as automated manufacturing and processing of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have played a significant role in optimizing fabrication processing and matrix formation. In this new edition, all chapters have been brought fully up-to-date to take on the key aspects mentioned above. The book's chapters cover all areas relevant to advanced FRP composites, from the material itself, its manufacturing, properties, testing and applications in structural and civil engineering. Applications span from civil engineering, to buildings and the energy industry. - Covers all areas relevant to advanced FRP composites, from the material itself, its manufacturing, properties, testing and applications in structural engineering - Features new manufacturing techniques, such as automated fiber placement and 3D printing of composites - Includes various applications, such as prestressed-FRP, FRP made of short fibers, continuous structural health monitoring using advanced optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG), durability of FRP-strengthened structures, and the application of carbon nano-tubes or platelets for enhancing durability of FRP-bonded structures

"Field validation of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bridges through load testing provides a means of measuring the performance of a bridge over time. Non-contact optical surveying equipment is one such method that can be utilized to measure the deflection of bridges under a static truck load. This thesis looks at monitoring bridges over time that have been both strengthened and constructed with FRP technologies. Five structurally deficient Missouri bridges have recently been retrofitted with FRP technologies with the intent to validate the overall in-situ performance. Testing focused on Nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques as a means of conducting these tests without damaging the existing structures. Static load testing was conducted and the results of the pre-strengthened and post-strengthened deflections have been used to evaluate the structural health over time"--Abstract, leaf iii.

The present research project investigates monitoring concrete precast panels for bridge decks that are reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars. Due to the lack of long term research on concrete members reinforced with GFRP bars, long term health monitoring is important to record the performance and limit states of the GFRP decks and bridge as a whole. In this research, data is collected on concrete strains, bridge deflections, vertical girder accelerations, as well as initial truck load testing and lifting strains.