Gerard Van Erp

Fibre composite bridge decks — an alternative approach

This paper presents initial results of a study into the structural behaviour of a new type of fibre composite bridge deck. The deck, which uses a particulate filled resin core, can be produced for costs similar to steel and concrete decks. The manufacturing method is suitable for both small and large production runs and does not require large up-front investments. Aspects of the design and method of manufacture are presented together with test results for two different size decks. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E204495.

The Australian approach to composites in civil engineering

Over the past ten years, Australian researchers have pursued the development of new structural systems utilising composites for the rehabilitation and replacement of deteriorating civil infrastructure. Several of these systems have been successfully demonstrated in real world projects. Gerard Van Erp, Craig Cattell and Stephen Ayers of the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, present an overview of Australian research into infrastructure applications of composites and associated industry development programmes.

Evaluation of an innovative composite railway sleeper for a narrow-gauge track under static load

This paper introduces an innovative composite railway sleeper with an optimal material usage for a narrow-gauge railway track under static loading condition. The composite sleeper is designed using sandwich panels that were bonded and coated with epoxy polymer matrix. The sleeper’s optimized shape was obtained using topology optimization. The vertical deflection and sleeper-ballast contact pressure of the optimized sleeper were analyzed by finite-element simulation and compared with a traditional timber sleeper. Prototype sleepers were then manufactured and their performance was evaluated experimentally. Results showed that the optimal sleeper shape only needs 50% volume of materials required for a standard rectangular timber sleeper. The performance of the optimal sleeper satisfactorily met the Australian standard requirements and was very similar to a timber sleeper indicating the high potential of this sleeper technology to replace the existing timber sleepers. This new sleeper is currently being tested in the Queensland Rail network as part of their sleeper maintenance program.

Design and analysis of a composite beam for infrastructure applications - Part I: Preliminary investigation in bending

This study aims to contribute to the development of a composite beam for use in civil engineering systems. Based on the limitations in existing concepts, a new beam design is proposed and its behaviour studied. Using the classical beam theory, the Timoshenko beam theory, the Timoshenko plate theory, as well as the transformed section approach, borrowed from reinforced concrete, a simplified analytical approach, which could be used in design, is developed to conduct first and second order analysis of the proposed beam in order to achieve a rational sizing of its section before a rigorous testing regime is carried out. Finally, to validate the analytical model and gain confidence in the design, the analytical and experimental results are compared to a rigorous nonlinear finite element solution. The analytical model agreed relatively well with the experiments and the FE analyses, giving confidence in the validity of the underlying assumptions.

Design and analysis of a composite beam for infrastructure applications - Part III: Experimental results and non-linear FE analysis

Using the analytical approaches developed, the cross section of the new fibre composite beam described in the prequels to this paper is designed in order to avert secondary failure modes. A series of specimens have been built and put through a thorough testing regime to establish the performance of the beam. To gain confidence in the analytical models and achieve further understanding of the beam behaviour, a rigorous non-linear finite element analysis is also presented. It was found that the analytical model agreed relatively well with the experiment and the FE analysis, thus validating the underlying assumptions.

Design and analysis of a composite beam for infrastructure applications - Part II: preliminary investigation in shear and torsion

Bending behaviour was dealt with in the preceding prequel, its associated failure modes identified, and a simplified theoretical approach was proposed for design purposes. However, this approach would not be complete without a simplified method for estimating the shear resistance of the beam and its torsional response.

High strength right angle composite joints for civil infrastructure

This paper presents results from an ongoing research project that is concerned with the development of strong, semi-rigid right angle composite joints for civil engineering applications. The main purpose fo the sequential tests is to further enable comparative analysis of the geometry of the joint, in particular the inside corner, and its corresponding load carrying capacity. Experimental and numerical results for four different types of monocoque right angle joints loaded in pure bending are presented.