Instrumentation and Testing of Bridge Rehabilitated with Exodermic Deck

A traditional composite deck was replaced with an exodermic deck during the rehabilitation of the Russel Road Bridge in Albany, New York. Static live-load tests were conducted both before and after the rehabilitation of the bridge. Approximate static live-load and dead-load stresses were also determined analytically to verify the test results and ascertain the relative significance of the dead-load stresses. The exodermic deck was found to have somewwhat higher static live-load stresses, but lower dead-load stresses. It was found that exodermic deck designed in accordance with the present AASHTO specification for composite concrete construction produces good agreement with actual strains measured in a full-size bridge. Detailing of the exodermic deck appears to make composite action with framing members dependably achievable. Other study findings are discussed, and it is noted that the use of exodermic deck construction is more efficient than traditional composite deck cosntruction, without reducing the factor of safety.