Modeling and Optimization of Polymer Composite-Steel Construction Mats and Their Potential Application to Ocean Engineering Structures

Abstract

Construction mat design is currently experiencing an update to modern polymer composite materials. The new designs lack optimization, sacrificing structural integrity for cost of production or vice versa. This thesis focuses on the optimization of polymer composite-steel construction mats via a multicomponent model. Model components include an analytical model, formulated via Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, and a series of both 3-D and 2-D finite element models to approximate local and global structural abilities. Modeling validation stemmed from available experimental data. Optimization is achieved by comparing structural design against material costs. Additionally, potential application of resulting design to ocean engineering structures, namely coastal infrastructure, is explored.