RC Bridge Decks Under Pulsating and Moving Load

Abstract

Tests were conducted on 1/6.6‐scale reinforced‐concrete bridge deck slabs under static load, pulsating load applied at a fixed point, and moving constant wheel‐load. Both isotropic and orthotropic reinforcing arrangements were considered. The current AASHTO design approach (orthotropic reinforcement) appears to be overconservative. The moving wheel‐load results in far more damage than the fixed pulsating load, and the cracking pattern due to the former loading is segmental (gridlike) and more extensive. The failure mode for all reinforced model decks is that of punching shear and not flexure. It is concluded that the reinforcement content in a bridge deck can be reduced significantly and satisfy both serviceability and strength requirements.