Of the over 605,000 bridges in the U.S., about 12% are structurally deficient and another 16% are functionally obsolete (FHWA 2012). Three out of four structurally deficient bridges have major problems with their decks. The primary objective of the proposed research is to develop innovative modular high performance lightweight deck options that lend themselves to accelerated bridge construction (ABC). Such bridge decks would allow an increase in the load rating of existing bridges and accordingly improve their functionality and service life. The lightweight bridge deck would also allow widening of existing bridges without placing additional dead weight on their substructure.

Given the primary objective of the NCTSPM (i.e., to improve the productivity and management of the U.S. Transportation System in an accountable and measurable way), and the fact that constrained resources are the greatest barrier to achieving this objective, the proposed research addresses two of the fundamental three questions of the 2014-15 solicitation; How do we get most out of the existing transportation systems? And how should we build for the future? The proposed bridge deck systems improve the state of good repair in bridge infrastructure throughout the U.S., thereby improving public safety on their daily commute. This will lead to the next generation transportation infrastructure, which is the first defined NCTSPM research area, as these systems address the fundamental issue of maintenance of existing bridge decks, an ongoing challenge with almost every transportation agency in the U.S. The proposed deck options also address durability of deteriorating infrastructure in constant need of rehabilitation.

The innovative lightweight bridge decks will be modularized and prefabricated with highest quality control and quality assurance during the manufacturing process. The systems would integrate advanced construction materials, including ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), high-strength steel (HSS), and fiber reinforced polymer (FRP), as appropriate. The systems would also provide options for different arrangements of superstructure, including different girder spacing.

Bridge decks, Load factor, Bridge construction, Defects, Aging infrastructure, Service life, High performance concrete, Fiber reinforced polymers, Lightweight materials

Budget and Timeline

Primary Sponsor

Sponsor #1:
Florida Department of Transportation
605 Suwannee Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399 USA

Sponsor #1 Contact:
Darryll Dockstader
darryll.dockstader@dot.state.fl.us
850-414-4615

Sponsor #2:
National Center for Transportation Systems Productivity and Management
Georgia Institute of Technology
788 Atlantic Drive
Atlanta, GA 30332-0355 USA

Sponsor #2 Contact:
nctspm@ce.gatech.edu
404.894.2236

Primary Performing Organization

Florida International University
10555 W. Flagler St.
Miami,FL 33174 USA

PI:
Amir Mirmiran
(903) 566-7103
amirmiran@uttyler.edu

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