Moveable bridges in Florida typically use open steel grid decks due to the weight limitations. However, these decks present rideability, environmental, and maintenance problems, for they are typically less skid resistant than a solid riding surface, create loud noises, and allow debris to fall through the grids. Replacing open steel grid decks that are commonly used in moveable bridges with a low-profile FRP deck can improve rider safety and reduce maintenance costs, while satisfying the strict weight requirement for such bridges. The performance of the new deck system, which includes fatigue and failure tests were performed on full-size panels in a two-span configuration. The deck has successfully passed the preliminary strength and fatigue tests per AASHTO requirements. It has also demonstrated that it can be quickly installed and that its top plate bonds well with the wear surface. The thesis also describes the analytical investigation of a simplified finite element approach to simulate the load-deformation behavior of the deck system for both configurations. The finite element model may be used as a future design tool for similar deck systems. Loadings that were consistent with the actual experimental loadings were applied on the decks and the stresses, strains, and the displacements were monitored and studied. The results from the finite element model showed good correlation with the deflection and strain values measured during the experiments. A significant portion of the deck deflection under the prescribed loads is induced by vertical shear. This thesis presents the results from the experiments, descriptions of the finite element model and the comparison of the experimental results with the results from the analysis of the model.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:etd-1939 |
| Date | 01 January 2006 |
| Creators | Vyas, Jignesh |
| Publisher | STARS |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Electronic Theses and Dissertations |
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