Long-Term Loading Behavior of a Full-Scale Glubam Bridge Model

Abstract

A 9.4-m-long, full-scale glued laminated bamboo (glubam) bridge model was constructed to duplicate a prototype truckload bridge. The soffit of the 600-mm-deep and 120-mm-wide glubam girders was further enhanced with carbon fiber–reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. The midspan deflections of the bamboo girders were obtained over the course of 3.7 years from creep tests under the gravity load of the bridge. The results indicate that the average creep deflection of the girders after 3.7 years was within the acceptable range. It was found that the creep deflection was affected by seasonal humidity and temperature. After 3.7 years of creep loading, the bridge model was loaded with sandbags and cast iron weight blocks until failure. The final failure mode was identified as the flexural failure of a section where a finger joint of one layer of the glubam girder was located.