Behavioral characteristics of precast FRP-concrete composite deck subjected to combined axial and flexural loads

The behavioral characteristics of axially loaded precast FRP-concrete composite decks have been examined through flexural tests in order to verify the applicability to cable stayed bridge. The deck of a cable stayed bridge is naturally subjected to compressive forces. However, the precast FRP-concrete composite deck exhibits a small concrete section resisting to compression. Moreover, the deck is vulnerable to compression with a reduced cross-sectional stiffness because FRP of the deck under compression is governed by a compressive elastic modulus smaller than its tensile modulus. The results of the bending test on the axially loaded deck revealed a loss of the cross-sectional stiffness of about 5–13% but without effect on the serviceability. In addition, since large compressive stress is developed in concrete due to the axial load, the contribution of the axial load should be considered during the selection of the range where the precast FRP-concrete composite deck will be applied. From this study, it is verified that the precast FRP-concrete composite deck can be used as deck system for cable stayed bridge.