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Seismic testing of the FlexiArch bridge system

  • Su Taylor
  • , Chris McCracken
  • , Maria Feng
  • , Paul McNulty
  • , Myra Lydon
  • , Des Robinson
  • Queen's University of Belfast
  • Colombia State University
  • Wood Group PSN Company Ltd.

Research output: Chapter in Book or Conference Publication/ProceedingConference Publicationpeer-review

Abstract

The FlexiArch is a flat-pack bridge system made of unreinforced precast concrete voussoirs connected by a polymeric reinforcement and top screed. The development of the FlexiArch bridge system through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Queen's University and Macrete Ltd and two PhD research studies has resulted in several bridges that have been built in Ireland and the UK using this system. The FlexiArch rings contain no structural steel or mortar joints and can be transported to site as flat pack where it is then lifted, closing the tapered edges and forming the arch shape. However, there has been a barrier to its use in earthquake regions due to lack of knowledge of its performance under seismic loading. This paper summarises the construction and seismic testing of a 3-ring FlexiArch bridge system using the laboratory facilities at the University of California Irvine (UCI) and the shake table at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) under a UK Royal Academy of Engineering Global Research Award.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 7th International Conference on FRP Composites in Civil Engineering, CICE 2014
EditorsRaafat El-Hacha
PublisherInternational Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC)
ISBN (Electronic)9781771363082
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event7th International Conference on FRP Composites in Civil Engineering, CICE 2014 - Vancouver, Canada
Duration: 20 Aug 201422 Aug 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 7th International Conference on FRP Composites in Civil Engineering, CICE 2014

Conference

Conference7th International Conference on FRP Composites in Civil Engineering, CICE 2014
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVancouver
Period20/08/1422/08/14

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