Live-load distribution of an adjacent box-beam bridge: Influence of bridge deck Live-load distribution of an adjacent box-beam bridge: Influence of bridge deck

Leaking longitudinal joints are commonly observed in adjacent box-beam bridges and are often associated with an assumed loss of load distribution at the leaking joint. To address the lack of test data and general uncertainty in analyzing deteriorated concrete structures, a series of load tests was conducted to determine the load distribution of a deteriorated adjacent concrete box-beam bridge. Load distribution was investigated for the existing structure with leaking joints as well as for the structure following rehabilitation with a noncomposite reinforced concrete deck. The bridge was tested in four conditions: as built, after removal of the bituminous wearing surface, after the shear keys were disabled, and with a reinforced concrete deck installed. Load distribution was assessed for each condition, and the results were compared with design equations. In addition to assessing load distribution of the existing bridge, the results of this study can serve as support for the use of a concrete deck as a rehabilitation strategy to restore load distribution or function as the primary load distribution mechanism of an adjacent box-beam bridge.