Stay-in-Place Bridge Deck Forms, A State of the Art Review of Prestressed Panel Subdecks

About the report:

The results of prior research conducted on precast prestressed panel subdecks for use in the construction of bridge decks are reviewed and summarized. This construction technique utilizes the precast panel subdecks as the forming for the cast-in-place upper portion of the deck. After placement of the upper portion of the deck the panels become an integral part of the deck thickness. The placement and removal of wooden type formwork are thus eliminated, and the construction time and safety hazards normally experienced during form removal are thereby reduced. The field experience and research results to date indicate the technique to be reliable. Some hairline cracking can be expected to occur on the cast-in-place deck directly above the joints between prestressed panels. Cores from the bridge decks show that the cracking does not penetrate the full depth of the upper slab and is not considered detrimental to the structural integrity of the deck. It was recommended that Virginia adopt the innovation on a trial basis to gain experience with the technique.

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