Design, test and field application of a GFRP corrugated-core sandwich bridge

This paper describes the design procedures and the construction process of a glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) corrugated-core sandwich bridge superstructure. This all-GFRP bridge superstructure was installed in Korea. Based on field load testing and finite element analysis, the effectiveness of the proposed system was demonstrated. The paper also discussed connection details as well as the dynamic effects on the FRP sandwich superstructure due to truck live load. Finally this paper illustrated the time, labor, and cost invested in the project and explained why bridges with FRP superstructures can be economically competitive in the future.