Finite Element Analysis of Laminated Composite Bridge Deck with GFRP Outer Layers and Wood Core

This study presents a comprehensive finite element analysis of a laminated composite bridge deck using ANSYS Workbench. The bridge deck consists of a Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) as a outer layer of 50 mm with three different wood species (Paulownia, Bamboo, and Balsa) as core of 300 mm. The research investigates the structural performance of the bridge deck by varying ply angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°). The analysis follows the IRC 6:2017 Class AA tracked loading conditions for a bridge deck of 30 m length, 10 m width. Results indicate that the combination of GFRP with Bamboo core at 0° ply angle provides the optimal performance in terms of strength-to-weight ratio, deflection, and stress distribution. The findings suggest that such laminated composite systems offer a viable alternative to traditional materials in bridge construction, especially for applications requiring high strength-to-weight ratios and durability. Key Words: Laminated Composite Bridge Deck, GFRP, Paulownia Wood, Bamboo, Balsa Wood, Finite Element Analysis, ANSYS Workbench, Ply Angle, IRC 6:2017 Class AA Loading