BRIDGE REDECKING WITH PRECAST COMPONENTS

Generally, techniques that reduce on-site forming of concrete will lower cost of concrete bridge construction. The first step in this direction was the use of precast, prestressed girders. Now, precast superstructure components are replacing the practice of casting bridge decks in-place with wooden forms between the girders. Precast deck panels are being used as either stay-in-place forms or as the total deck thickness. There are several reasons for the appeal of precast superstructure components. For a composite precast/cast-in-place deck, precast modules serve as stay-in-place forms. As a result, the final riding surface can be cast with very little formwork. And as with any precast component, deck panels are produced under closely moniotored conditions that can be difficult to duplicate in the field. The modules can be cast to meet any beam spacing. The panels also become an integral component of the load-carrying capacity of thee deck during construction, which can eliminate the need for temporary falsework. And once in place, they provide an immediate working surface for both crews and equipment. This article reviews three bridge rehabilitation projects using precast components: the Kansas River Bridge on the Kansas Turnpike, the High Street Overpass in Oakland, and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge near Washington.