Behavior of Transverse Confining Systems for Steel-Free Deck Slabs

Extensive research conducted over the past eight years in Canada has led to a concrete deck slab of girder bridges that can be entirely free of any tensile reinforcement. This slab, known as the steel-free deck slab, derives its strength from its internal arching action, which is harnessed longitudinally by making the slab composite with the girders, and transversely by restraining the relative transverse movement of the top flanges of adjacent girders. Two steel-free deck slabs have already been built, in which the transverse confinement is provided by welding steel straps to the girders. This paper presents test results on two other kinds of transverse confining systems, which are applicable to both steel and concrete girders. It is shown that the steel-free deck slab, in addition to being more durable than slabs with steel reinforcement, can also prove to be more economical.