This book is a comprehensive reference for the evaluation, testing, selection, and examination of relevant design criteria and alternatives for bridge decks, which appear in the AASHTO/LRFD design specifications. Important challenges to civil engineers, such as life cycle cost analysis, and constructability, particularly as related to maintaining traffic during deck replacement, are discussed. The authors discuss why the use of standard bridge deck designs is not always possible on bridge rehabilitation projects. This practical reference will aid busy engineers in dealing with the major changes that will mandate much greater attention to deck selection and design in the future. For example, most future bridge projects will involve rehabilitation or replacement—which makes traffic maintenance a major issue—and life cycle cost analysis is quickly becoming mandatory in the U.S. This guide is intended to be used throughout the development of any construction project involving bridges.
About the Authors
Neal H. Bettigole, P.E., was director of the Exodermic Bridge Deck Institute, which he founded in 1985.
Rita Robison was a freelance ditor/writer who worked as both an associate and a senior editor for
Civil Engineering
magazine.