Coupon and Component Testing of a 3D Printed FRP Bridge Deck
摘要
Movable bridges with timber decks often face issues of decaying planks and corroded stringers. Replacing the old timber deck with light, prefabricated fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) components can extend the life of these bridges. A preliminary design features 3D printed FRP components placed on top of cross girders, between stringers. The thin-walled, arch-shaped component efficiently transfers traffic loads and is recyclable due to its thermoplastic resin. This research focused on the static testing of the 3D printed FRP deck on micro- and meso-scale. Initially, the performance of the chosen recyclable material, the thermoplastic glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) composite with short glass fibres was examined by varying two parameters: the fibre volume fraction and the layer time. Coupon tests with different fibre volume fractions (Vf = 30% and 45%) and print layer times (80, 100, and 120 s) were carried-out. Next, two arch-shaped deck components were printed and tested under static wheel-loading. The coupon test results showed that the 45% fiber volume fraction material has a better structural performance than that of the 30% without being more brittle. The longer layer times of 100 s and 120 s significantly impair the transverse tensile strength of the material, with up to 60% decrease. The tested arch components showed consistent behaviour and were able to carry an equivalent wheel load of LM2 loading without having collapsing failure.