Analysis, Design, and Construction of a 40-ft Composite Pedestrian Bridge

摘要

The disadvantages of conventional materials, including the decreasing availability and rising cost of exotic wood products, coupled with advances in the cost-effective use of composite materials for bridge systems makes all-composite short to medium span bridges economically attractive. This paper presents the design and construction of a 40 ft composite pedestrian bridge. The overall project objectives were an aesthetic single-piece all-composite design, excellent structural performance, and a 65-year life span. The bridge was constructed using a sandwich construction method based on a large-cell corrugated core system. The structure was designed for Dutch specifications for pedestrian traffic, including 126 psf load capacity with a maximum deflection of 1.9 in (L/D=250), and a minimum first natural frequency of 3 Hz. Analysis results, using FEM methods, are presented. The materials used were E-glass for the core, and a hybrid E-glass/Carbon system for the skins, with Polyester and Vinylester resins. The construction steps of the hybrid system are outlined, and the completed bridge is presented.