Orthotropic Redecking of Bridges on the North American Continent

This article reviews major projects where deteriorated concrete bridge decks were replaced by steel orthotropic decks. Both open-rib and closed-rib deck systems, with long-rib spans corresponding to the spacing of existing floorbeams, were used. In three cases, the new decks are fully integrated with the main longitudinal members of the bridge. Wearing surfaces, redecking costs and the future American specification provisions for orthotropic decks are discussed.