THE CARBON SHELL SYSTEM FOR MODULAR BRIDGE COMPONENTS

Abstract

The concrete filled carbon shell system represents an efficient concept utilizing a combination of advanced composites and conventional materials for the development of civil structural components. Preliminary design studies have indicated that modular short span bridge structures are feasible using carbon shells of different diameters and thicknesses connected across their tops with a thin deck. A set of design criteria for these new advanced composite structural systems in the form of allowable stresses and deformations is under development. Analytical and experimental research efforts towards the structural characterization of individual bridge components for both serviceability and ultimate limit states are focused towards the evaluation of the carbon shell members at the section member and system level. A description of the analytical and design philosophies, experimental research program, and preliminary test data is presented.