REINFORCEMENT FOR CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS

Laboratory tests of reduced-scale bridge decks and field tests of full-scale decks were performed to demonstrate the strength and serviceability of isotropic reinforcement. Decks reinforced with two mats of No. 4 bars spaced at 12 in. in the longitudinal and transverse directions failed in punching shear at wheel loads exceeding 130 kips. Service-load stresses in a full-scale isotropically reinforced bridge deck were shown to be substantially less than the values predicted by AASHTO flexural design requirements. These results apply to composite and non-composite slabs. Experimental results are compared to evaluation criteria developed in this report, and it is concluded that the required strength and serviceability is provided by 0.2 in. sq of steel per foot in two isotropic mats. This reinforcement uses an average of only 47 percent of the steel now required. Guidelines for use of isotropic reinforcement are also provided. (FHWA)

• Corporate Authors:

  New York State Department of Transportation

  Engineering Research and Development Bureau, 1220 Washington Avenue
  Albany, NY  United States  12232

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Beal, D B
• Publication Date: 1983-7

Media Info

• Pagination: 31 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Concrete; Design; Guidelines; Isotropy; Load tests; Puncture resistance; Reinforced concrete bridges; Reinforcing steel; Serviceability; Shear stress; Strength of materials; Wheel loads
• Uncontrolled Terms: Design criteria; Punching shear
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00381777
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-NY-RR-83-105 Intrm Rpt., FCP 45K3-022
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 30 1984 12:00AM