Current Practices In FRP Composites Technology
FRP Bridge Decks And Superstructures

Design & Construction Issues

1. Benefits
   • Light weight
   • Can utilize bridge capacity that had been needed for dead load
   • Reduce weight restrictions on bridges
   • High strength - little chance for punch through failures
   • Expected long service life
   • No corrosion
   • No cracking
   • Chemical resistant
   • Modular construction
   • Fast installation
   • Less traffic disruption during installation
   • Relatively easy installation
   • Can be installed with in-house forces
   • Fabrication in controlled environment - leads to high quality
   • Environmentally friendly
   • Cost savings - Bridge rehabilitations can be done for less money than a complete bridge replacement
2. Deflection controls design
3. Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE)
4. Creep
5. Durability
6. Panel to Panel Connection
7. FRP to Steel Attachments
   • Photo (30 kb)
8. Special cutouts
   • Photo (40 kb)
9. Haunch
   • Prefabricated Saddle Haunches by KSCI
     • Photo (56 kb)
10. Wearing Surface
    • Photo: (40 kb)
11. Drainage
    • Cross Slope
    • Scuppers
    • Curbs
12. Bridge Railing
13. Design specifications
14. Material specifications
15. Inspection & Monitoring
    1. Tap test (mpg file, 520 kb) - A video that demonstrates that tapping the under side of the deck with a coin or small stone can reveal disbonds or delaminations in the FRP panel. The sound changes or sounds "hollow" when tapping on a delaminated area.
    2. Infrared Therography (32 kb)
    3. Load Tests

Courtesy of Jerry O'Connor, MCEER, FHWA FRP Team Member
If you have additions or corrections to this list, please contact him at: jso7@buffalo.edu