Shear Force in Bolted Connection Due to Traffic and Temperature Loads in Hybrid Steel-FRP Bridges

Abstract

As many bridges are reaching the end of their service life, researchers are searching for new solutions to extend the lifespan of those bridges. Fibre reinforce polymers (FRP) could be possible a solution for bridges with deck problems. Lightweight FRP decks can be installed quickly via bolted connectors on steel substructure. In general, shear force in the connector is not taken into account during the design of FRP decks because slip behaviour and interaction with steel substructure is unknown. This research connects to research at TU Delft on non-slip shear connectors for FRP decks. Aim of this paper is to quantify shear forces in bolted connectors due to traffic and temperature loads. The direction of webs, fibres in panel facings and the expansion coefficient of resin has been investigated to determine the influence of the FRP deck on the shear force in the connectors. To investigate the results of traffic loading and temperature loading on real bridges, a database of bridges in the Netherlands has been used. Results from the analyses offer an indication of the influence of the laminates on the shear force in the connectors and show shear force ranges that can occur in existing bridges.