ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Many cable-stayed bridges include a deck composed of a steel grillage made composite with concrete panels. These deck systems are subject to requirements for fracture critical or structurally redundant members, sometimes including FHWA guidelines. However, this type of bridge includes inherent redundancy, as there are multiple load paths to redistribute the effects of member failure. Given the redundant nature of these bridges, a blanket designation of FCM (or SRM) may be a conservative approach that affects the economy of the structure.
