This guide presents considerations to take in the design and a summary of construction practices for conventionally reinforced concrete highway bridge decks. Such decks are typically supported by multiple simple- or continuous-span steel or prestressed concrete girders, or integral reinforced concrete members. The service-life performance of concrete bridge decks, including maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation needs, is directly related to the care exercised from preconstruction through the post-construction period. Recommendations are presented for design and durability considerations, concrete materials, reinforcement, placing, finishing and curing, and the use of overlays.
Although some performance and durability factors discussed may be applicable, design and construction of prestressed bridge decks are presently beyond the scope of this guide. Thus, prestressing steel is not included in the reinforcement section. Guidance for the design of prestressed bridge decks is being developed elsewhere (Swartz and Schokker 2008).