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ing for identifying delamination between the wearing

surface and the FRP top plate. However, use of the

infrared thermographic camera would also be labor

intensive, requiring heating of small sections of deck

at a time and then quickly taking the thermographic

image. Furthermore, results would show variability

with amount of heating and cooling before the image

is acquired.

Meanwhile, a traveling truck deection measurement

method was developed. This procedure was tested

on the FRP deck after installed on the Sugar Creek

Bridge. This method showed some promise, but also

showed variability and sensitivity to small variations in

the surface of the deck. It is believed that this method

would be successful at locating severe damage of

the webs, as deection measurements would show

marked increases local to the damage. However,

further validation and baseline measurements on the

FRP bridge deck with the wearing surface are required

if this method is to be pursued.

Implementation Recommendations

Items to be implemented include design procedures as

related to deection limits, crown connection details, and

guardrail details. Inspection and monitoring procedures

may also be implemented.

INDOT design and inspection personnel are recommended

to be involved in the implementation of the ndings of this

study.

References

Rodriguez-Ver, R. E., N. J. Lombardi, M. A. Machado, J.

Liu, and E. D. Sotelino. Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bridge

Decks. Publication FHWA/IN/JTRP-2011/04. Joint Transpor-

tation Research Program, Indiana Department of Transpor-

tation and Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 2011.

doi: 10.5703/1288284314242

View the full text of this technical report here:

http://dx.doi.org/10.5703/1288284314242

Published reports of the Joint Transportation Research Pro-

gram are available at: http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jtrp/