Design, Fabrication and Testing of Low Profile Composite Bypass Road Panel: Phase 1

00978477574789532004Technical Report; 6/2002 \u2013 12/2003PDFTech ReportRDT 04-017RI 02-016Bearing capacityBypassesCompressionDesignDynamic testsFabricationFatigue testsFlexureGlass fiber reinforced plasticsMechanical propertiesPanelsResidual strengthSandwich constructionStatic testsStiffnessTestingGlass fiber reinforced concreteReinforced concrete pavementsFiber reinforced foamDesignGeotechnologyHighwaysMaterialsI33: Other Materials used in Pavement LayersMissouriUnited StatesMissouri. Department of TransportationNanni, AntonioRocca, S.Missouri. Department of TransportationUniversity of Missouri--RollaUS Transportation CollectionThe objective of this research project was to demonstrate the feasibility of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) systems for low-profile bypass roadways, in particular, sandwich panels comprised of GFRP facings and an innovative Fiber Reinforced Foam (FRF) core. In order to investigate the performance of the sandwich construction, an experimental program including static and dynamic fatigue tests was performed. In particular, the static tests included two different characterizations: compression and flexure. The same type of specimens tested under static loading, were cyclically conditioned in order to analyze the behavior of the material and determine its residual strength. In both situations the specimens were conditioned to 500,000; 1,000,000; 1,500,000 and 2,000,000 cycles. The specimens utilized in the experimental program were collected from different sandwich panels with the purpose of verifying homogeneity in the mechanical properties of the material. The investigation focused on the ultimate bearing capacity and stiffness (compressive and flexural) of the sandwich structure, as well as its residual strength and rigidity after fatigue conditioning. The mechanical properties determined in this study constitute the base for a complement extension of this research: the development of a schematic solution for site implementation. This project may have significant repercussions in the construction and repair of existing structures.74