Characterization and structural performance of hybrid fiber-reinforced composite deck panels

This paper presents the experimental and analytical investigation on the behavior of hybrid fiber-reinforced composite deck made up of glass and jute fibers embedded in vinyl ester matrix. Finite element evaluation of the flexural performance of the composite decks was carried out using ANSYS, FE software. It was observed that analytical evaluation underestimates the value of deflection of deck panels 1 and 2 by 10.91% and 18.57%, respectively, when compared to the experimental results. However, the value of strain obtained by FEA is appreciably higher than that observed during the experiment. The analytical evaluation of deck panels was further extended to HYFRP and GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced polymer) decks with varied cross sections obtained by changing the location and shape of stiffeners. The specifications stipulated by Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), USA, for FRP decks were used for evaluating the performance of deck panels. The values of maximum deflection and strain experienced by the deck panels with stiffeners at the web-flange joint were found to be less than that of deck panels provided with stiffeners at the center of top flange of each cellular unit. Out of the various configurations examined, the performance of decks with V-shaped stiffeners and combination of U- and V-shaped stiffeners at top and bottom web-flange joint were found to be best with substantially lower deflection and strain.Graphical abstract