Validation Process for Computational Model of Full-Scale Segment for Design of Composite Footbridge

Abstract

Experimental tests and numerical simulations of a full-scale segment of a foot and cycle bridge made of polymer composites are presented in the paper. The analysed structure is made of sandwich panels, which consist of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) multi-layered laminate faces and a PET foam (obtained from recycling) core. The dimensions of the segment cross-section are the same as for the target footbridge; however, span length was reduced to 3 m.

Keywords

• validation
• numerical modelling
• sandwich structure
• polymer composites
• gfrp laminates