Testing and analysis of fibre composite beams in a bridge structure

Abstract

[Abstract]: The aims of this project were to investigate the behaviour of fibre composite beams under various load types (including dynamic loading) in a composite bridge structure, to determine whether simplified methods can be used to analyse the composite structure accurately, and to investigate issues involved in increasing the span of the bridge to full scale. The testing was undertaken by the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites (CEEFC), in conjunction with the Queensland Government Department of Main Roads (DMR) on an approximately half-scale fibre composite bridge constructed by Loklite Pty Ltd in conjunction with the CEEFC. Analysis of field results from this testing, and finite element analysis (FEA) using the Strand7 FEA software package was undertaken. Comparisons of results from both types of analysis were undertaken, and conclusions made from these comparisons were used to resolve the aims of the project. Recommendations for areas of future research were also given, as this project has been shown to lead to a number of areas where more in-depth analysis and complex finite element modelling could provide greater insight into the behaviour of fibre composite beams in composite bridge structures.