Practical Approaches to Long-Lasting Bridge Decks

Abstract

Concrete bridge decks are susceptible to deterioration, mainly in the form of cracking, spalling, and delaminations; this adversely affects the ride quality and structural integrity. Causes of deterioration are excessive loading, adverse environmental conditions, chemical reactions, electrochemical corrosion, poor structural design and detailing, improper construction practices, and insufficient specifications. Cracks in bridge decks provide avenues for water and solutions, mainly the chlorides, to penetrate the concrete and substantially diminish its service life. To achieve longer-lasting bridges, the quality of both the concrete and the reinforcement must be considered. The occurrence and width of cracks in bridge decks can be reduced using high-quality concrete and corrosion-resistant reinforcement. This paper details practical approaches to achieving long-lasting bridge decks through proper attention to design, selection of materials, construction practices, and specifications.