Experimental Studies on Structure Characteristics of two layers Open-Grating Slab

Abstract

This paper describes the structural characteristics of an Open-Grating slab as bridge deck. The slab consists of two layers, namely upper surface slab to be used as pavement and lower structural slab. First, 3D-FEM analyses were done to find stress concentration phenomena at the vicinity of connection between main (longitudinal) member and cross (transverse) one in the lower slab. Second, multi-point static loading tests were carried out to know stress variation within those members under a wheel tracking loading. Last, fixed point-cyclic loading tests were carried out to find fatigue strength of the lower structural slab. From the numerical and test results obtained, main discussion was made on fatigue characteristics of the open-grating slab applicable to a bridge deck.