High performance precast concrete NUDECK panel system for Nebraska's skyline bridge

The poor condition of many stringer type bridges on U.S. roadways is due to the cracking and deterioration of concrete decks. Concrete shrinkage, temperature changes due to heat of hydration, and differential creep in relation to the support beams often result in cracking of cast-in-place concrete decks shortly after placement. The NUDECK system, a full-depth precast/prestressed concrete bridge deck panel system developed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is presented in this article. The design and construction of the Skyline Bridge in Omaha, Nebraska, is the first implementation of this bridge deck system. The deck is pretensioned in the transverse direction and post-tensioned in the longitudinal direction. Using a combination of high performance precast concrete - where little creep and shrinkage occur after the deck is made composite with the girders - and two-way prestressing ensure continued compression of the deck during its service life. This low maintenance deck system can be used for both concrete and steel bridges and results in significantly reduced construction time and traffic disruption.