Author(s):
A. Abolmaali
Publication Date
October 2006
Abstract
This project summary report summarizes the research performed in Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Project 0-4470. Currently, there are no general design specifications and guidelines for steel and fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) poles used for closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Several full-scale tests on steel and FRP poles were conducted, and their load deflection characteristics were obtained incrementally. A comprehensive finite element model (FEM) was developed using three-dimensional isoparametric solid elements, which included algorithms for contact, geometric, and material nonlinearities during the stress analysis. Based on the experimental and analytical studies conducted on steel and FRP poles, the researchers had the following comments: 1) The developed equations are valid within the range of variations of the geometric and force-related variables used during their development. This range of variations was mostly determined with respect to TxDOT needs. 2) Due to superficial cracks developed in the FRP test specimens at an early stage of loadings during the experimental testing, it is recommended that for now TxDOT use steel camera poles. Justifications for using FRP poles require a separate comprehensive research study in order to investigate different FRP poles from different manufacturers with versatile fiber orientations.
Report Number:
0-4470-S
Link(s):
Document/Product
http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-4470-S.pdf
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