Investigation of alternative technologies for cast-in-place concrete bridge decks

Concrete bridge decks are designed using traditional methodology (TM) or empirical methodology (EM). TM models the deck as a continuous beam in flexure, and EM recognizes the compressive membrane action that aids in distributing wheel loads. An extension of membrane behavior is complete removal of reinforcement from within the deck; this is referred to as steel free deck (SF). In this research study three full-scale bridge decks are investigated, one reinforced with steel, a second is reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), and a third is SF. For each the steel and GFRP reinforced decks, the south and north sides are reinforced as required by the TM and EM, respectively. The SF deck is based on research done in Canada. Each deck is subjected to four load cases, corresponding to an AASHTO truck axle positioned for critical positive and critical negative bending on each the north and south sides. Measured response for crack width, deflection, and concrete strain is used to evaluate behavior at the service limit state.