Advanced Composite Material Support Frames: An Evaluation of the Bow Meadow Bridge at Lake Crescent, WA

摘要

The construction of a longspan 22.9 m (75'-0") RP truss support system for a log bridge at Lake Crescent, WA using a new lightweight advanced composite material building system (LONGSPAN PRESTEK) has been investigated in this study. The advanced composite material system is constructed of fiberglass reinforced plastic (RP) tubes and Kevlar or steel cable. This case study will address the difficult structural problems posed by the loading condition (horses and mules), the difficult proposed site constraints for the High Dosie Project, and the overall advantages derived in using the LONGSPAN PRESTEK System in comparison to traditional structural systems such as steel, wood, and concrete. It also will evaluate the results from the load test which was conducted on the actual installed structure in October of 1995.