Evaluation of the Effects of Superstructure Characteristics on the Performance of Bridge Decks under Traffic Loads

When a structural health assessment is conducted on typical bridges, bridge decks are commonly found to be the fastest deteriorating component of the bridge. This is the case since bridge decks are the most exposed component of the bridge to various environmental elements and traffic loads. Traveling vehicles on the bridge, namely trucks, impart cyclic stresses on the bridge deck depending on their location and bridge occupancy. The continuous reversal of stress between tensile and compressive stress enveloped by a stress magnitude leads to fatigue, and ultimately the deterioration of the bridge deck, which can be exacerbated by environmental factors. Despite some bridges having similar bridge decks, some would deteriorate faster than others, even if they have a similar deck and exposure conditions. In this case, the supporting superstructure rigidity becomes key in understanding why different deterioration/damage levels are exhibited. This research assesses the effects of having varied superstructural rigidity on the deck response due to operational load levels. It provides insights into the stresses of bridge decks due to moving vehicles and vibration magnitudes.