Processing and performance of bridge deck subcomponents using two schemes of resin infusion

Due to their lightweight, ease of installation in the field, and potential life-cycle durability, fiber reinforced composites are increasingly being considered in applications such as replacement bridge decks. However, current costs associated with the fabrication of such decks are 4¯5 times that of conventional reinforced concrete decks thus placing great importance on the development of cost-effective processes such as resin infusion. This paper describes results of a test program aimed at the assessment of two different resin infusion schemes for the fabrication of foam core filled truss-type bridge decks. Model flow studies and simple analytical procedures are used to assess flow phenomena. The results of process and performance comparisons show that although the use of a microgroove network can be more efficient than the use of a highpermeable medium, in terms of rate of infusion, and global structural performance may be comparable, there is a greater likelihood of defect formation. Process induced defect formation is different in the two schemes with the former having a higher susceptibility for localized effects. Defect types are identified, and comparisons of performance are made at both a local and global level