Structural Concrete Overlays in Bridge Deck Rehabilitation: Summary of Experimental Results, Analytical Studies and Design Recommendations

摘要

Full depth structural concrete overlays are commonly used in bridge deck repair and rehabilitation. Beneficial structural effects, such as increase in structural depth, can only be considered in the design if monolithic action of the overlaid slab can be assured beyond the flexural ultimate limit state of the bridge deck. A three phase experimental program to study the effect of different surface preparations and dowels between the old deck and the overlay on the overall bridge deck behavior under service loads (monotonic, cyclic, dynamic), overloads and ultimate limit state loads is presented in the report. Results from the experimental program strongly suggest, that a clean and rough interlayer surface can ensure monolithic behavior beyond the flexural yield limit state, thus rendering dowel reinforcement ineffective to participate in horizontal shear transfer. A summary of experimental results is presented in the report together with comparative studies and comprehensive design recommendations.