This article presents results from an experimental study, investigating the effects of core thickness on the mechanical properties of composite sandwich structures with polypropylene(PP)-based honeycomb core and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) face-sheets fabricated by hand lay-up technique. Epoxy matrix and non-crimp glass fibers were used for the production of GFRP laminates. Flatwise compression (FC), edgewise compression (EC), three-point bending (3PB) and double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the composite sandwich structures (CSSs). Based on the FC tests, an increase in the compressive modulus and strength was observed with an increase in the core thickness. For EC tests, peak loads up to crush of the sandwich panel is discussed using core thickness. According to the 3PB tests, a decrease in core shear stress and facesheet bending stress was observed as the core thickness increases.

Composite-based mono-leaf spring systems were designed and manufactured to replace existing mono-leaf metal leaf spring in a light commercial vehicle. In this study, experimentally obtained mechanical properties of different fiber-reinforced polymer materials are presented first, followed by the description of the finite element analytical model created in Abaqus 6.12-1 (Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp., RI, US) using the obtained properties. The results from the finite element analysis are presented next and compared with actual size experimental tests conducted on manufactured prototypes. The results demonstrated that the reinforcement type and orientation dramatically influenced the spring rate. The prototypes showed significant weight reduction of about 80% with improved mechanical properties. The hybrid composite systems can be utilized for composite-based leaf springs with considerable mechanical performance.

Permanent metal deck forms (PMDFs) are often used in the bridge industry to support wet concrete and other loads during construction. Although metal formwork in the building industry is routinely relied on for stability bracing, the forms are not permitted for bracing in the bridge industry, despite the large in-plane stiffness. The forms in bridge applications are typically supported on cold-formed angles, which allow the contractor to adjust the form elevation to account for changes in flange thickness and differential camber between adjacent girders. Although the support angles are beneficial toward the constructability of the bridge, they lead to eccentric connections that substantially reduce the in-plane stiffness of the PMDF systems, which is one of the reasons the forms are not relied on for bracing in bridge applications. This paper documents the results of an investigation focused on improving the bracing potential of bridge deck forms. Modifications to the connection details were developed to improve the stiffness and strength of the forming system. Research included buckling tests on a 15-m (50-ft) long, twin-girder system with PMDFs for bracing. In addition, twin-girder tests were also used to validate computer models of the bracing systems that were used for parametric finite-element analytical studies. The buckling test results demonstrated that modified connection details make PMDF systems a viable bracing alternative in steel bridges, which can significantly reduce the number of cross-frames or diaphragms required for stability bracing of steel bridge I-girders during construction.

Light gauge metal sheeting is often utilized in the building and bridge industries for concrete formwork. Although the in-plane stiffness and strength of the metal forms are commonly relied upon for stability bracing in buildings, the forms are generally not considered for bracing in steel bridge construction. The primary difference between the forming systems in the two industries is the method of connection between the forms and girders. In bridge construction, an eccentric support angle is incorporated into the connection details to achieve a uniform slab thickness along the girder length. While the eccentric connection is a benefit for slab construction, the flexible connection limits the amount of bracing provided by the forms. This paper presents results from the first phase of a research study investigating the bracing behavior of metal bridge deck forms. Shear diaphragm tests were conducted to determine the shear stiffness and strength of bridge deck forms, and modified connection details were developed that substantially improve the bracing behavior of the forms. The measured stiffness and strength of diaphragms with the modified connection often met or exceeded the values of diaphragms with conventional noneccentric connections. The experimental results for the diaphragms with the modified connection details dramatically improve the potential for bracing of steel bridge girders by metal deck forms.