Durability design criteria for bituminous pavements on orthotropic steel bridge decks

Abstract

Many inspections of the pavements of orthotropic steel bridge decks show longitudinal cracks above the connections of the deck plate to the main girders and ribs. By using a simplified model for analysing the behaviour of the pavement and comparing the theoretical results with damage records, the ultimate resistance of the pavement is defined, and minimum stiffness requirements for orthotropic decks are derived. These serviceability limit states have been included in a recent draft of the German steel road–bridge code DIN 18809.Theoretical studies of the material behaviour lead to proposals for the minimum strength requirements for bituminous pavements, which may be used in conjunction with the results of material tests. This procedure will improve the strength design of bituminous bridge pavements. Key words: bitumen, bridge decks, composite structures, design criteria, durability, limit design method, orthotropic plates, pavements, serviceability limits, specifications, steel.