Structural Evaluation and Construction of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Strengthening Systems for the Sauvie Island Bridge

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a multiphase project aimed at developing composite systems for flexural capacity upgrade of steel girders. This study is divided into three phases; namely (1) large-scale verifications tests of two strengthening systems; (2) field application of the composite systems; and (3) long-term monitoring of the performance strengthening system. The two composite systems that were evaluated in this program are precured carbon/epoxy strip and a composite sandwich system. A description of the field application of the composite systems as well as in situ bondline evaluation of the different adhesive systems is presented. A simplified linear analysis for the H-Lam composite system was developed. The nonlinear behavior of the hybrid composite system was modeled using NASTRAN and GENOA finite-element FE) models. A good correlation between the predicted linear and nonlinear FE results and the half-scale tests was achieved. Based on the results of this pilot program, it is concluded that composites can successfully be used for upgrading the flexural capacity of bridge steel girders.