Bridge Deck Rehabilitation Practices in North America

Abstract

Northern countries are facing major challenges with regard to the deterioration of their built infrastructures, representing an investment of trillions of dollars. Every year in North America, billions of dollars are spent to repair bridge deck delaminations. The development of an efficient bridge deck rehabilitation system is vital for the efficient management of such infrastructures. This paper reports the results of a comprehensive study on the existing bridge deck rehabilitation practices in North America. A comprehensive information survey was conducted by sending a set of questionnaires to over one hundred individuals working for over 50 different bridge organizations/agencies. Feedback from engineers/managers across North America generated substantial information on various issues involved in a bridge deck rehabilitation project and is critically analyzed. The favored bridge deck rehabilitation techniques and practices adopted by various organizations across North America are summarized with a view to assist engineers/practioners to become familiar with rehabilitation techniques and strategies of concrete deck bridges.