Topic outline

  • Steel Bridge Design Decks

    Credits: 5 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    The primary function of a bridge deck is to support the vehicular vertical loads and distribute these loads to the steel
    superstructure. This module provides practical information regarding the decking options and design considerations for steel
    bridges, presenting deck types such as concrete deck slabs, metal grid decks, orthotropic steel decks, wood decks, and several others.

    The choice of a particular deck type to use can depend on several factors, which may include the specific application, initial cost, life cycle cost, durability, weight, or owner requirements. For the deck types discussed herein, a brief description of the particular deck type is given, in addition to general design and detail considerations.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Bridge Decks
    • Concrete Deck Slabs
    • Methods of Analysis and Design
    • Bridge Deck Overhang (Cantilever Slab) and Barriers (Railings)
    • Precast Deck Slabs, Precast Construction Methods
    • Full-Depth Precast Concrete Deck Panel
    • Partial-Depth Precast Concrete Deck Panels
    • Post Tensioning of Cast-in-Place Deck Slabs, Placement Sequence
    • Edge Support, Haunches
    • Types of Formwork
    • Deck Overhangs and Bracketing
    • Serviceability, Typical Applications, Detailing Considerations
    • Minimum Negative Flexure Concrete Deck Reinforcement
    • Skewed Bridges
    • Future Deck Replacement
    • Concrete Deck Reinforcement
    • Types of Metal Grid Decks (Open, Filled, Partially-Filled, Unfilled)
    • Design and Detailing Considerations
    • Analysis and Determination of Force Effects
    • Composite Action
    • Orthotropic Steel Decks
    • Types of Wood Decks (Glued Laminated, Stress Laminated, Spike Laminated Deck, Plank)
    • Other Deck Systems (Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), Aluminum, Sandwich)

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: primarily for structural, transportation, civil, construction, and other engineers whose job description may require a knowledge of steel bridge design.
    Publication Source: US FHWA

    Donald Parnell, PE

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