Report No.: CCEER-92-2

Authors: N. Wehbe, M. Saiidi, and F. Gordaninejad

Date: August 1992

Performing Organization:

Department of Civil Engineering/258

University of Nevada, Reno

Reno, NV 89557

Abstract:

This research presents the analytical and experimental study of the basic behavior of composite sections made of concrete slabs and graphite/epoxy beams. The study also includes the testing of bond between concrete and graphite/epoxy plates connected by a structural epoxy adhesive.

Five bond specimens were built and tested. The bond test results indicate that, by using an appropriate type of epoxy adhesives, it is possible to develop large interface stresses between the concrete and the graphite/epoxy.

Two groups of beam specimens were tested and analyzed. Each group consisted of three specimens of the same graphite/epoxy cross section. The cross section used in the first group was of a wide flange beam made of symmetrically laminated graphite/epoxy composite. The cross section of the other group was of a double box beam made of nonsymmetric laminates. In each group, one reference beam was tested without a concrete slab, while the other two were fitted with concrete slabs to represent bridge decks built to about one-eighth scale.

Comparisons between the data collected from the tests and the results obtained from the analytical model indicate that it is possible to accurately predict the static response and the failure load of concrete and graphite/epoxy composite sections (Abstract by authors).