Description

The deck of a highway bridge serves both structural andfunctional purposes for the structure. As a structuralcomponent, it provides the load path to safely transfer forcesfrom wheel loads to the supporting superstructure andsubstructure elements. It may also contribute, throughcomposite action, to the performance of primary superstructurecomponents. Equally, the construction and condition of adeck directly impacts serviceability or the ability of thestructure to safely and efficiently carry highway traffic byproviding smoothness, skid resistance, and resistance todeflections under wheel loads. The riding surface of ahighway bridge deck should provide a continuation of thepavement segments that it connects. The surface should befree from characteristics or profile deviations that impartobjectionable or unsafe riding qualities. The desirable qualitiesshould persist with minimum maintenance throughout theprojected service life of the structure.

Roughness, cracking, spalling, scaling, and poor skidresistance are defects that result when the many details thatinfluence their occurrence are not given sufficient attention.Recognition of the interaction of design, materials, andconstruction practices, as well as environmental factors, is theimportant first step in achieving smooth and durable decks.

Many decks remain smooth and free from surface deteriorationand retain skid resistance for many years. Whendeficiencies occur, they usually take one of the formsdescribed in this guide. The contribution of various aspectsof deck construction to defects is discussed and guidelinesbased on theory and experience presented that should reducethe probabilities of occurrence to acceptable levels.