Fiber-reinforced polymer panels have been used for bridge decks over a decade. These FRP materials are typically made of glass fibers and polymer matrixes. During the past 12 years, dozens of composite bridges have been installed in the U.S. Recently delamination was found in three composite bridges in Kansas. The need for a reliable method to monitor composite bridges has thus emerged. Acoustic emission monitoring is a possible means of monitoring bridge damage. For this paper, a study was performed on FRP deck specimens during variable load tests, analyzing various acoustic properties. Three types of tests were conducted: 1) load applied to a single panel without exposing it to failure scenario, 2) load applied to two jointed panels and 3) load applied to a single panel until it fails. In the first type, acoustic signal distribution corresponding to repeated load was examined. Total 10-16 sensors were mounted on the panel. Signal distribution was derived. In the second type, two panels were jointed together in the same as the actual bridge deck structure. Load was applied to one panel and acoustic sensors were mounted on both panels. Signal strength in both panels was examined. In the third type, load was applied to a single paneluntil failure occurred. Acoustic signals corresponding to failure load were recorded. Results provide valuable information for post-construction AEmonitoring of composite bridge decks.
Abstract