Fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) are currently being used in new bridge construction as
a feasible alternative material for corroded bridge deck replacements, footbridges, and emergency
vehicle bridges. For both military and civilian applications, there exists a need for bridges that
are lightweight and inexpensive, that can be readily transported and easily erected.
The 10 m glass FRP deployable box beam presented in this thesis was developed to aid
cross-country mobility in areas where infrastructure has been damaged by conflict or natural
disasters. The box beam represents one trackway of a dual trackway system. The quasi-static
and dynamic behaviour of the box beam was investigated under laboratory and field conditions.
Quasi-static tests were conducted to ensure the strength of the steel hinge, the hinge connection to
the base plate of the box beam, and the overall box beam would support the vehicle loads in field
testing. Data from these tests were used to validate the finite element model. Field testing was
conducted to investigate the natural frequencies of the box beam, calculate the dynamic increment
of the structure, and confirm the validity of the finite element model created in Matlab. Three
vehicles were used to evaluate the response of the box beam to different types of suspension,
loads, and number of wheels per trackway.
A finite element model was developed to predict the displacement of the bridge under
various vehicle loads. The analysis resulted in displacement contours within a reasonable amount
of error when compared to those measured in field testing. Recommendations for future research
and development of the structure are provided based on this research. / Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-09-26 22:49:59.077
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OKQ.1974/1595 |
| Date | 02 December 2008 |
| Creators | Landherr, JOHANNA |
| Contributors | Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.). Theses (Queen's University (Kingston, Ont.)) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 2728531 bytes, application/pdf |
| Rights | This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner. |
| Relation | Canadian theses |
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