OPEN-GRID DECKING MATERIAL "RECYCLES" OLD BRIDGES

A number of State Highway Departments have turned to recycling methods for the repair of deteriorated bridge decks in order to conserve dwindling construction funds. The most popular of these methods is the use of open-grid steel decking that is installed panel-by panel and filled with concrete or asphalt. This method improves load ratings for heavier commercial traffic. At a fraction of the cost for building a new bridge, decks can be repaired with a geometric steel and bridge deck flooring. West Virginia initiated a state-wide bridge rehabilitation program, and the Massachusetts Port Authority rehabilitated the entire length of the Mystic River bridge crossing. The steel grid panels are welded to existing crossbeams, and the open grid panels form a work platform for installing the other sections. After installation, the panels are filled with concrete, sealed with epoxy and paved with asbestos- medified asphalt. The use of corrosion resistant, high-strength steel and weather-resistant concrete will help in controlling future maintenance costs.

• Corporate Authors:

  Scranton Publishing Company

  434 South Wabash Avenue
  Chicago, IL  United States  60605
• Publication Date: 1976-3

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 54-55
• Serial:
  • Rural and Urban Roads
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue Number: 3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Commercial vehicles; Deterioration; High strength steel; Maintenance management; Recycling; Repairing
• Uncontrolled Terms: Maintenance costs; Repairs
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00141670
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 15 1976 12:00AM