This project developed and tested a connector system (Figs. 1 and 2) for attaching fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge decks to supporting steel stringers. The connector dimensions were defined through finite element analyses. The connector design was experimentally evaluated by first testing a single connector between a section of the FRP deck and a steel wide-flange beam. The ultimate strength of the connector was obtained, and the loads-slip response was defined along with an evaluation of the failure modes. The results were used to redesign the connector and make it simpler and more economical. The performance of the connector-stringer design was evaluated for a number of loads to establish the required number of connectors for adequate deck restraint, percent of composite action, and effective flange width for deck/stringer system. The contractor is working with West Virginia and Kansas DOTs to implement this concept in future bridge projects.  The final report is available from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS # PB2004-100134).

 The final report for this IDEA project can be found at:
https://www.trb.org/studies/idea/finalreports/highway/NCHRP066_Final_Report.pdf