Description
Orthotropic decks were initially used as a cost-effective and rapid system in the replacement of bridges destroyed in Germany during the Second World War. The technology has grown over the years, especially in Europe and Asia, and has recently begun to be applied to bridges in North America. The steel orthotropic deck product recently developed by CANAM is fabricated into long panels that facilitate efficient transportation and field assembly with a minimum amount of field welding.
Application
CANAM Steel Orthotropic Deck Panels are used as an alternative to cast-in-place concrete decks. They provide a driving surface for traffic.
Constructability
Inverted Ts (as seen in Figure 38) are installed along the longitudinal axis of the bridge to transfer shear and generate composite action between the steel framing and the orthotropic decks.