Evaluating the GFRP and SHM in the Centre Street Bridge project (Alberta).

摘要

In 1999, the Centre Street Bridge in Calgary was rehabilitated. The City of Calgary took the initiative to use the opportunity to test the performance of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) as a reinforcement material instead of steel rebar. GFRP was incorporated into a single span with the other spans still conventionally reinforced. This allowed a comparison between the performance of the GFRP reinforcing and standard steel rebar. An extensive monitoring programme was developed to provide the needed comparisons and monitor whether any problems developed with the GFRP.; The objectives of the research described in this thesis were to conduct the comparison of the GFRP reinforcing to the steel, to conduct a comparison of sensor types and a monitoring system prototype whilst evaluating their potential as structural health monitoring and damage detection tools and finally to conduct an assessment of various structural health monitoring methods, and the needs and criteria necessary for health monitoring programmes. The project involved establishing an extensive sensing system on the Centre Street Bridge, gathering and analysing continuous data from the bridge and conducting controlled tests on the bridge. A model bridge was built in the structures laboratory of Dalhousie University and tested in various states of damage to help with the assessment of modal-based damage detection techniques that may be applicable to the Centre Street Bridge. Finite element models were constructed for both bridges to help with analysis and comparison of data.; The results of the Centre Street Bridge Project have proven that GFRP and steel are performing similarly and adequately. Damage detection and long term monitoring will not be possible for the Centre Street Bridge with the sensing system in place. Sensors used on the bridge are neither very reliable nor protected adequately for durability. Damage detection techniques require more investigation and careful design. Structural health monitoring programmes require in-depth consideration before implementation and must account for both technical and non-technical issues.