Behavior of a graphite/epoxy-concrete bridge girder

An innovative graphite/epoxy-concrete (G/E-C) cross-section is developed and tested under a four-point static load. The cross-section is composed of a box girder with an outer G/E U-beam and inner G/E box beam with concrete webs and flange in between. A two-part structural epoxy resin provides shear connection between G/E box beam and concrete slab. Additional shear connection is generated by steel stirrups located along the longitudinal axis of the test specimen. Moreover, finite element analysis and theoretical modeling of the cross-section are performed. It is observed that steel stirrups contribute to the load carrying capacity of the cross-section after initiation of the slippage between the G/E beams and the concrete slab.