Implementation of hybrid composite beam (HCB) bridges in Missouri, USA

This project involves the field evaluation of three Hybrid-Composite Girder Bridges in Missouri, USA. These hybrid composite beams (HCB)s are comprised of three main sub-components: a composite shell, compression reinforcement, and tension reinforcement. The shell is comprised of a fiber reinforced polymer box beam. The compression reinforcement consists of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) which is pumped into a profiled conduit within the shell. The tension reinforcement consists of galvanized steel tendons anchored at the compression reinforcement ends. Due to the novelty of the HCB and its unclear behaviour, an integrated study is under implementation to evaluate the recently constructed hybrid bridge superstructures. To achieve the goals of this study, a series of load tests was applied to the three bridges and the HCBs deflections were measured. HCB elements have been instrumented with various sensors and the induced strains were recorded at several stages and under the applied test loads. Finite element models (FEM)s were constructed via ANSYS and SAP2000 commercial softwares. Mathematical calculations were performed to predict the deflections and the strains using the existing design methodology. The study showed that the new HCB is a promising technique in the bridge applications. The HCB unique configuration optimizes its performance and leads to lightweight, cost-effective and durable member. The existing design procedure is simple and suites the bridge designers. However, it needs some refinements. This paper presents briefly the work achieved to date and highlights the concluded remarks. The fabrication and construction sequencing of the HCB is also presented.