The building and bridge industries commonly use light gage metal sheeting for concrete formwork. Because metal forms have a substantial amount of in-plane stiffness, they increase the lateral torsional buckling capacity of the beams or girders to which they are attached. Although forms are commonly relied upon for bracing in the building industry, they are currently not permitted to be considered for bracing in the bridge industry. The main difference between the forms in the building and bridge industry is the method of connection between the forms and girders. This paper will present results from a research study to investigate the bracing behavior of metal deck forms used in the bridge industry. Improved connection details are considered that will substantially improve the bracing behavior of the forms used in the bridge industry. The goal of the investigation was to innovate a practical, economical method to improve the strength and stiffness of the connection of the PMDF to the flanges of bridge girders.
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