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Strength and ductility of concrete members
can be significantly improved with lateral confinement, usually
achieved by using a metal or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) casing.
The concrete confinement can be utilized to make bridge lighter and
have longer spans. The objective of this project is to construct cost-effective and durable bridges using innovative construction materials and techniques. A 100-foot long pedestrian bridge containing FRP and tubular structural components has been designed and will be built to span over the Lincoln Creek located in Aurora, Nebraska. This project will address the feasibility to construct temporary, short span (less than 95 feet) bridges on existing piers and abutments rapidly. The Aurora arch bridge consists of 8-inch steel pipes filled with concrete for both upper and lower chord. The lower chord is post-tensioned to 90 kips. FRP honeycomb panels are used for bridge deck. The top and bottom chords of a full scale, quarter arch have been tested. Two different hanger configurations were used, epoxy coated strands and 1-in. steel rod. Maximum loads and tension in the hangers were monitored. More than twice of the design strength was achieved without distress of the top or bottom chord.
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