ABSTRACT
A thorough discussion is presented on Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) first bridge rehabilitation project utilizing a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) deck. SHA has much experience replacing deteriorated decks with new concrete decks, but when the need to replace a deteriorated concrete deck and increase the load carrying capacity on an old through truss bridge came along, SHA explored the use of an FRP deck. Working closely with The University of Maryland, SHA tackled many design details that required modification from those used with conventional reinforced concrete decks. These design detail modifications addressed severe roadway skew, roadway crown accommodation, selection of proper roadway overlay, traffic railing attachment and attachment of the deck to the framing system. The installation time and construction methods are also discussed, and recommendations are suggested based on SHA’s first FRP deck installation experience.
