I recently completed my MS degree in Civil Engineering in which my thesis was on the use of acoustic emission for monitoring FRP composite bridge decks. I chose this particular topic as it seems that more and more states are looking into using this alternative material for bridge deck replacement, reinforcement and repair (NY, KS, MO, WV, PA, TX, CA).
However, I am curious at to what DOT's and bridge owners are using in terms of code for evaluating these types of decks.
Most of what I have seen either is coming from partnering with a university for research, or some other entity.
I am trying to determine if there is some central location that has the performance results of these kinds of decks and applications. I know what I used for criteria - but since there are no codes and standards yet in existence, I am curious to learn more about what IS being used.
From a literature research, it appears the work is pretty much the same but we are still years and years away from anything definitive simply because of different manufacturing techniques, all of which is proprietery.
Would like to know if there is any definitive source that people look to regarding evaluation.
However, I am curious at to what DOT's and bridge owners are using in terms of code for evaluating these types of decks.
Most of what I have seen either is coming from partnering with a university for research, or some other entity.
I am trying to determine if there is some central location that has the performance results of these kinds of decks and applications. I know what I used for criteria - but since there are no codes and standards yet in existence, I am curious to learn more about what IS being used.
From a literature research, it appears the work is pretty much the same but we are still years and years away from anything definitive simply because of different manufacturing techniques, all of which is proprietery.
Would like to know if there is any definitive source that people look to regarding evaluation.
