Author

Yingxiang Lu

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2018

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

Committee Chair

Hota V.S GangaRao

Committee Co-Chair

Ruifeng Liang

Committee Member

Udaya Halabe

Abstract

Composites for hydraulic structures: a review Composites have evolved over the years and are making major in-roads into the marine, aviation and other industries where corrosions and self-weight are the major impediments to advancing the state-of-the-art. Civil Works engineers have been reluctant to make use of these composite advantages, partially because of the absence of well documented success stories, accepted design and construction practices or specifications, and limited understanding of composites, higher initial costs and others. A few navigational structures using FRP composites have been designed, manufactured and installed in the United States of America and Netherlands, recently. US Army Corps of Engineers is embarking on higher volume applications of composites for navigational structures. This report is aimed at summarizing the state of the art of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for hydraulic structures including design, construction, evaluation and repair. After a brief review of history and introduction of fundamentals of composites, their manufacturing techniques, properties, and recent field applications are presented, including FRP rebar for bridge decks, other highway and railway structures, gratings, underground storage tank, pavement, sheet and pipe piling, FRP wraps, moveable bridges, utility poles, etc. Focus is placed on applications of composites in waterfront, marine, navigational structures including lock doors, gates, and protection systems. Design of hydraulic composite structures is presented for the cases available, such as design of FRP recess panel, Wicket Gates, Miter Gates, FRP slides and repair of corroded steel piles. This report also reviews engineering science issues such as fracture and fatigue, durability, creep and relaxation, UV degradation, impact resistance, and fire performance. The report concludes with summary remarks and recommendations after a discussion on operation and maintenance guidance including nondestructive evaluation inspection techniques. Intention is to provide up to date information on composite design, manufacturing and evaluation methodologies that are applicable for fabrication and maintenance of navigational structures. This report is a living document with advances taking place with time as waterborne transport infrastructure community makes progress with FRP systems. This report is expected to be useful for those decision-makers in government, consultants, designers, contractors, maintenance and rehab engineers whose focus is to minimize traffic interruptions while maximizing cost effectiveness.

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