Analysis and Design Models for Structural Concrete Bridge Deck Overlays

Abstract

The horizontal load‐transfer behavior of full‐depth structural concrete overlays used in bridge deck rehabilitation is investigated with a specially developed analytical model and compared with test results from full‐scale experimental investigations. A two‐layer plate element with arbitrary nonlinear horizontal interface behavior was developed for reinforced concrete overlaid slabs of arbitrary plan geometry. Both the nonlinear delamination model of the interlayer and the nonlinear flexural model of the overlaid reinforced concrete slab are described. The overall nonlinear behavior of overlaid reinforced concrete slabs is investigated and compared with tests on full‐scale transverse bridge deck slab panels. Based on the analytical parameter studies and the experimental results, detailed design recommendations for the interface design for full‐depth structural concrete overlays are developed. The adopted philosophy is a capacity design approach that bounds the delamination limit state in an overlaid slab by the flexural plastic‐hinge limit state in a critical bridge section.