ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques are employed predominately to reduce on-site construction time, minimize traffic impacts, and improve work zone safety. Grid reinforced concrete bridge decks have been an economic, lightweight, rapid deck replacement option long before ABC became the vogue acronym defining the desired construction practice for the 21st century. The prefabricated modular nature of grid reinforced concrete deck naturally lends to reduced construction periods and offers the advantage of shortened work windows-nighttime or weekend-when traffic volumes are lower and the travelling public is less encumbered. In addition, the reduced weight translates into direct savings in the superstructure and substructure for new construction and can minimize superstructure rehabilitation and increase live load capacity of existing structures. A few recent projects accentuate the role of grid reinforced concrete decks as the solution to lightweight, rapid deck replacements.
