Redecking a major suspension bridge with a steel orthotropic deck

摘要

As part of the reconstruction of a major, historical suspension bridge in the United States, a comprehensive study for selecting the appropriate type of deck system to replace the existing steel grid deck, which exhibited cracking and corrosion, was conducted. The selection criteria were light weight, structural efficiency and cost. A closed rib Orthotropic Deck system acting as an integral part of the superstructure was selected. The design introduces several new design innovations. In unprecedented fatigue test of a full scale orthotropic deck panel was conducted to compare the fatigue endurance of two weld details at the support diaphragm juncture with the rib. The test results confirmed the superior fatigue endurance of the design.