Long-term issues related to structural health of FRP bridge decks

Abstract

Use of FRP bridge decks has been steadily increasing over the past few years, because of the several long-term benefits they offer over conventional materials such as steel and concrete. These benefits include low weight, anticipated long-term durability with low life-cycle costs, and increased corrosion resistance. There have been several experimental and analytical studies to investigate the behaviour of FRP bridge decks, but an integrated study covering their structural health issues is not available. This paper identifies issues related to FRP decks requiring further attention, and then utilizes Structural Health in Civil Engineering (SHCE) concepts to identify steps for future research. Materials, design, manufacturing, erection, transportation, inspection, and maintenance aspects as well as capacity vs. demand and component vs. system considerations are discussed in an integrated fashion. This study also shows the interaction and inter-dependability between various parameters and the FRP deck response; and hence the necessity for an integrated and comprehensive health monitoring program using SHCE concepts is shown using a case study.