Concrete bridge decks with isotropic reinforcing : short term evaluation.

PDFTech ReportOR-EF-99-06Bridge decksReinforced concrete bridgesIsotropyOregonOregon. Dept. of Transportation. Research UnitBrooks, Eric W.Oregon. Dept. of Transportation. Research UnitUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionThe Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has used traditional truss bar layout for bridge deck reinforcement for many years. Studies by other states found the same performance using an isotropic deck grid steel reinforcement layout. The isotropic system uses less steel, which lowers the cost of the deck and reduces distress caused by rebar corrosion. Three bridges included in this study were built with isotropic reinforced decks. Within two years all the decks had some minor initial cracking. The deck on the Santiam Overflow No. 4 cracked soon after the forms were removed. This cracking could be related to the seismic activity in the area. The other two decks also cracked, but the cracks are very tight and do not appear to be through cracks. The short-term performance is as good as standard deck rebar layouts