Deck Construction

This section defines the deck pouring and hardening construction stages.

Navigation: Construction > Superstructure Construction > Deck Construction

For detailed parameter explanations, see the Deck Construction Reference.

Overview

Composite deck pouring is a method of constructing a bridge deck where the deck and the girders act together as a single structural unit, which can significantly increase the load-carrying capacity of the bridge. In steel tub girder bridges, composite deck pouring is achieved by using a concrete deck that is poured onto the top flanges of the steel girders, which are typically designed with shear connectors such as studs or shear tabs.

Composite Deck Pouring Sequence

1. Preparing the steel girders with shear connectors (studs or shear tabs)

2. Placing the formwork on top of girders

3. Placing the reinforcement (steel bars or mesh)

4. Pouring the concrete and leveling to create a flat surface

5. Finishing the surface with a trowel

6. Curing the concrete (typically for several days)

7. Applying the wearing surface (asphalt or other surface)

Prior to the deck pouring stages, ensure that substructure elements (foundations, piers, pier caps, abutments) and superstructure elements (girders and bracings) have been constructed. It is also crucial to apply the formwork load in the previous stages.

Steps

Step 1: Navigate to Deck Construction

Navigate to Loading > Construction > Superstructure > Deck in the tree view.

Deck construction navigation

Step 2: Define Pouring Stages

You should specify the states of deck construction stage, which include deck pouring and hardening, in this section.

Click the three-dot icon on the Pouring Stage (Weight Only) cell.

Select all of the stages that are related to pouring the deck concrete which were defined in the previous steps.

Enter the names of the deck construction stages in Name.

Pouring stage selection

Pouring stage names

Step 3: Define Hardening Stages

Click the three-dot icon on the Hardening Stage (Gains Stiffness) cell.

Select the stages at which the pouring stage will harden in the staged concrete pouring process for the deck.

Hardening stage selection

Hardening stage configuration

Hardening stage assignments

Step 4: Select Deck to Construct

In the corresponding stage, select the deck that is to be constructed.

Deck selection

Step 5: Configure Longitudinal Pouring Limits

Navigate to the Longitudinal tab and enter the stations for deck pouring in the longitudinal direction.

Longitudinal pouring limits

Step 6: Configure Transverse Pouring Limits (Optional)

Navigate to the Transverse tab to configure transverse deck pouring limits if needed.

Transverse pouring limits

Verification

All deck casting stages should be defined with appropriate pouring and hardening stages, along with longitudinal and transverse limits.