FHWA LTBP Pilot Study Summary\u2014Findings From The New Jersey Bridge Deck

2016PDFTech Reporthttp://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/ltbp/16070/16070.pdfFHWA-HRT-16-070BridgesPavement performanceBridge decksUnited StatesUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Research, Development, and TechnologyUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Research, Development, and TechnologyTurner-Fairbank Highway Research CenterRodriguez-Otero, YamyraFederal Highway AdministrationThis summary report focuses on some of the key findings that resulted from the investigation of the deck of the bridge selected for participation in the Long-Term Bridge Performance (LTBP) Program pilot study located in New Jersey (\u201cNew Jersey pilot bridge\u201d). Constructed and opened to traffic in 1969, the bridge has a multigirder steel superstructure consisting of one span supported on two reinforced concrete abutments and has a cast-in-place reinforced concrete deck with stay-in-place forms. A 6.75-inch-thick reinforced concrete deck with a latex modified concrete (LMC) overlay (nominal thickness of 1.25 inches) distributes live loads to the steel beams. An asphalt overlay was placed in 2010. The weather exposure and environmental conditions in central New Jersey represent a mixed-humid climate, as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy\u2019s climate zones. The bridge is exposed to frequent freeze-thaw cycles and application of deicing agents. The investigation of the New Jersey pilot bridge included detailed visual inspections performed on the top and underside of the deck, deck overhangs, superstructure, and substructure elements. Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques were used on the deck, and core samples were taken of the deck and piers. The experience and findings from the New Jersey pilot bridge will be combined with those from the other pilot bridges to streamline field activities, strengthen testing protocols, and plan for investigations of large numbers of bridges in the future.78