Investigations on Long Term Thermal Effects of Composite I Girder Using Field Monitored Data

Abstract

Composite bridges are structures that utilize a combination of two or more newlinematerials to achieve a high strength-to-weight ratio. By leveraging the unique newlineproperties of each material, composite bridges can offer a range of benefits in terms of newlinestrength, durability and sustainability. The use of steel-concrete composite structural newlineelements in bridge construction has become increasingly popular in recent years, as newlineengineers and designers seek new techniques to improve the performance and newlinelongevity of these critical infrastructure elements. Although steel-concrete composite newlinebridges are generally strong and durable, they can still experience failures like newlinedebonding, buckling and corrosion. The lifespan of composite I girders is affected by newlinevarious factors including the properties of the constituent materials, loading, newlineenvironmental conditions, maintenance, design and installation. Temperature changes newlinecan cause the composite I-girder to expand or contract, which can put stress on the newlineconnections and structural components of the girder. This can lead to fatigue and newlineultimately structural failure if not properly accounted for in the design and newlineconstruction newline