Upgrading of an Existing Concrete-Steel Bridge Using Fibre Reinforced Polymer Deck – A Feasibility Study

Paper in proceeding, 2012

The structural efficiency of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge decks is examined as a replacement of traditional concrete decks intended for bridge upgrading. The investigation, which is performed by means of finite element analysis, is demonstrated on an existing non-composite concrete-steel bridge, which could not carry the relevant traffic loads. Two alternative solutions considered are replacing the old deteriorated concrete deck with FRP deck either with or without composite action with the underlying steel girders. Different connection techniques between the girders and FRP deck are examined for both solutions. The results show that a significant stress reduction can be obtained by replacing the concrete deck with the lightweight FRP deck. This reduction is more pronounced if the deck is designed to work compositely with the existing steel girders.