A review of alternatives for orthotropic bridge deck panels

Article type: Research Article

Authors: De Corte, W.

Affiliations: Ghent University College, Ghent, Belgium E-mail: wouter.decorte@hogent.be

Abstract: Bridge decks are subject to severe loading conditions as they are loaded by large numbers of concentrated axles. In the case of orthotropic bridge decks, it is known that the combination of these loading conditions and the quantity of required welds may not allow for a durable and still cost-effective solution with this type of deck in the future. Nevertheless, still progress is made in the analysis and specifications, but the efforts are large and the profits are moderate. Consequently, a search for alternatives for the future is valuable, and probably even necessary. This paper presents current state of the art regarding alternative solutions for orthotropic decks, including fiber reinforced composites, and then focuses on a steel–concrete sandwich solution, developed by the author. In this solution, a cellular concrete grid is injected between two steel plates, resulting in a non-welded and more isotropic rather than orthotropic deck behavior. For this purpose high strength self compacting concrete is to be used. Challenges in the design and manufacture are in this case, the SCC mix, the steel to concrete adhesion, and the shear capacity, rather than the fatigue design. Theoretical investigations as well as experimental results are presented. The results indicate that, although some parameters are still to be optimized, alternative solutions for orthotropic bridge deck panels will be available.

DOI: 10.3233/BRS-2011-024

Journal: Bridge Structures, vol. 7, no. 2-3, pp. 95-102, 2011