An Exploratory Study of FRP Seismic Restrainers Subjected to Dynamic Loads

摘要

Glass, carbon, and hybrid (glass/carbon) fabric reinforced polymer (FRP) restrainers were developed and tested as an alternative to steel restrainers to reduce bridge hinge movement during earthquakes. The FRP bridge restrainers were dynamically tested on a representative in-span hinge, in the large-scale structures laboratory at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Work included: (1) Strain rate tests on both FRP strips and FRP/concrete bond; (2) FRP restrainer development and testing; (3) Comparisons between FRP, steel, and shape memory alloy (SMA) restrainers; (4) Development and evaluation of a simple restrainer design method. Findings confirm the potential use of FRP restrainers as a viable option to steel as a restraining device for bridges. Results include: (1) FRP strength is strain-rate insensitive; (2) FRP/concrete bond strength is a function of concrete shear strength and is strain-rate sensitive; (3) FRP restrainers are easily constructed and installed; (4) A proposed restrainerdesign method that considers the bridge structure dynamic characteristics is demonstrated to be both simple and realistic.