This research presents an innovative sandwich bridge deck system inspired by triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures for load-bearing applications. The deck features a parametrically designed graded gyroid core, optimized through structural optimization to achieve a 10% relative density. The core was manufactured using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and bonded with tempered glass flanges. Numerical analysis was performed using Abaqus software with an elastic-plastic material model based on tension tests, offering a simplified yet effective approach compared to the more complex analysis possible with custom VUMAT subroutines. A single scaled prototype was produced and subjected to a three-point bending test. The results demonstrated successful bonding between the sheets and core but revealed challenges such as premature shear failure of the polymeric core, crack propagation between print beads, and compression-induced failure of the glass flanges. A size effect was identified, as tension tests were performed at a much finer resolution than the core printing, leading to a drop in the material’s mechanical properties. These failure modes were correlated with numerical predictions, underscoring the need for further investigation into thermo-mechanical effects on 3D printed materials.

Most used laminated glass is composed of float glass plies bonded together with a viscoelastic Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) interlayer. The shear stiffness of the polymeric interlayer is the key factor in the behavior of laminated glass. Structural engineers in the past were designing laminated glass regardless of the shear coupling of the plies. This approach with a high level of reliability led to expensive laminated glass structures due to insufficient knowledge of foil properties. Most of the current standards suggest methods that consider the shear coupling of the plies. This paper presents the experimental data from a static loading test performed on a laminated glass panel exposed to changing temperatures. The deformations were observed for 48 h. The measured results were compared with the known analytical design approaches and in addition with the finite element modeling (FEM) analysis in the available software for laminated glass design. A simplified design approach that simulates foil behavior in dependence on load duration and temperature change was adopted in this study. Design approaches that use effective thickness calculations are used with the Young and shear relaxation modulus provided by the foil producer. The imprecision of the Eurocode standards for glass design, and the propensity to change the approach to the calculation by introducing more precise parameters were expounded. The results when combining the time-temperature superposition (TTS) and the Wölfel–Bennison approach were found to be in very good agreement with the FEM analysis of 3D solid elements in Abaqus and measured data.

The main aim of this study is to analyze fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge decks according to their material, cross-section, and shape geometry. Infill cell configurations of the decks (rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, and honeycomb) were tested based on the FRP cell units available in the market. A comparison was made for each cell configuration in flat and curved bridge shapes. Another comparison was made between the material properties. Each model was computed for a composite layup material and a quasi-isotropic material. The quasi-isotropic material represents chopped fibers within a matrix. FE (finite element) analysis was performed on a total of 24 models using Abaqus software. The results show that the bridge shape geometry and infill configuration play an important role in increasing the stiffness, more so than improving the material properties. The arch shape of the bridge deck with quasi-isotropic material and chopped fibers was compared to the cross-ply laminate material in a flat bridge deck. The results show that the arch shape of the bridge deck contributed to the overall stiffness by reducing the deformation by an average of 30–40%. The results of this preliminary study will provide a basis for future research into form finding and laboratory testing.

This study investigates the mechanical properties and fracture behaviour of unfilled acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) polymer material produced by 3D printing. Tensile tests and explicit dynamic finite element analysis were conducted on dogbone specimens printed in three directions: XY, XZ and ZX (the plane of the largest surface relative to the build platform). A comprehensive material characterization approach is presented, incorporating scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, stress-strain evaluations, and virtual simulations using finite element analysis (FEA). These simulations have the potential to predict multiple fracture zones, ensuring a cautious design approach that accounts for numerous scenarios beyond the scope of physical test data. A comprehensive thermo-mechanical analysis was performed using GENOA GUI software specifically for the XY and ZX printing directions. The results of the virtual simulation showed good agreement with the experimental data and provided information about the fractures, voids and residual stresses caused by interlayer temperature changes during the printing process.