ArchForm design and testing of a steel free deck constructed using partial depth precast concrete panels

Transportation Authorities are looking for innovative methods to increase the service life of bridge decks and to reduce construction schedules and delays to road network users during maintenance and reconstruction works. Therefore, the ArchForm partial depth precast concrete panel concept was developed. It combines precast panel technology with the steel free deck concept. The goal of this system is to provide a cost effective steel free deck system that can be constructed using partial depth precast panels.; This project summarises the design of the ArchForm panel and an experimental testing program undertaken at the University of Manitoba. The testing program was divided into two phases, the first to test partial depth precast concrete panels and the second to test a complete deck system constructed using the partial depth precast concrete panels. The first phase of testing verified that the panels could withstand construction loading which included their self weight, weight of the upper portion of the deck concrete cast on site and live load during construction. In addition, it verified that the panel construction was robust and would not be easily damaged during construction. The second phase of testing of the deck system included three static load tests. Full scale models were used in both testing phases.; The results of this program confirm that a steel free deck system constructed using partial depth precast concrete panels performs as well as a traditional steel free deck cast monolithically when loaded under static axle loading.