In-Service Performance of Integral Bridges and Jointless Decks

New York has been building integral bridges as well as jointless decks since the late 1970s. They performed well from the beginning, but a recent study evaluated their performance to identify details possibly needing improvement in future construction. Ratings obtained during a field survey of numerous integral bridges and jointless bridge abutments were analyzed, as well as condition ratings assigned by bridge inspectors during their biennial inspections. Results indicate that these bridges have been functioning as designed, but can be improved. Details needing improvement were identified and design changes implemented for future construction. The study and its results are summarized here.