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The objective of this thesis is to verify the assumption of designing the connection as simply supported in a GFRP bonded-bolted framing angle configuration. To achieve this, nine framing angle connection tests were performed. The assumption was found to be valid for the 2 bolt bonded, the 2 bolt unbonded, and the 3 bolt unbonded framing angle connections tested, however, more tests are needed varying different parameters before final conclusions can be reached. Suggestions are made for different areas of possible research into GFRP. / Master of Science

There are presently many solutions to dealing with aging or deteriorated structures. Depending on the state of the structure, it may need to be completely over-hauled, demolished and replaced, or only specific components may need rehabilitation. In the case of bridges, rehabilitation and maintenance of the decks are critical needs for infrastructure management. Viable rehabilitation options include replacement of decks with aluminum extrusions, hybrid composite and sandwich systems, precast reinforced concrete systems, or the use of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) shapes. Previous research using pultruded glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) decks, focused on behaviour under various strength and serviceability loading conditions. Failure modes observed were specific to delamination of the flexural cross sections, local crushing under loading pads, web buckling and lip separation. However certain failure mechanisms observed from in-situ installations differ from these laboratory results, including behaviour of the connectors or system of connection, as well as the effect of cyclic and torsional loads on the connection. This thesis investigates the role of mechanical and non-mechanical connectors in the composite action and failure mechanisms in a pultruded GFRP deck system. There are many interfaces including top panel to I-beam, deck panel to girder, and panel to panel, but this work focuses on investigating the top panel connection. This is achieved through comparative component level shear, uplift, and flexure testing to characterize failure and determine connector capacity. Additionally, a connection of this GFRP deck system to a concrete girder is investigated during the system-level test. Results show that an epoxy non-mechanical connection may be better than mechanical options in ensuring composite behaviour of the system.

Thesis: M.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 1985 / Includes bibliographical references. / by Ronald David Thomas and Christopher Wheeler Cable. / M.S. / M.S. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering