Innovative Full Depth Precast Deck Panel System with Discrete UHPC Joints at 6ft (1.8 m) Spacing

Abstract

This paper presents the development and experimental investigation of a new full depth precast concrete deck system that was developed within the NCHRP Project 12-96 as a simplified system for accelerated bridge construction. The system has the following features: shear connectors are located at the transverse joints only that are spaced up to 6 ft (1.8 m) in the longitudinal direction; transverse joints and shear connections are filled with UHPC that enables full composite behavior between the deck and the supporting girders; deck panels can be made solid or ribbed if deck weight reduction is desirable; and unique clustered shear connector assembly is used to resist large interface shear forces. The paper focuses on the role of using UHPC in achieving the goals of the new system and allowing the extension of the maximum spacing of shear connectors from 4 ft(1.2 m), currently specified by AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, to 6 ft(1.8 m). This extension increases the interface shear demand and stress concentration at the joints by 50%, which necessitates the use of a grouting material with superior mechanical and durability properties, like UHPC.