Direct impact of heavier than anticipated truck loads, increased traffic volumes and extended service lives have taken their toll on America’s traditional rebar reinforced concrete bridge decks. These factors are the leading cause of structurally deficient ratings on the national bridge inventory.
Replacing a standard concrete deck with one that is lighter in weight but still strong enough to handle today’s wheel loads is a smart, cost- effective solution to increasing the live load rating of a bridge while minimizing structural repair costs. Using prefabricated bridge deck systems also accelerates construction to help reduce the traveling public’s frustration with lengthy and inconvenient traffic disruptions. This innovative construction technique is currently receiving considerable attention by many state DOT’s and the FHWA. |
