Short Span Steel Bridges 
Fiber Reinforced Polymer Decks
Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP), primarily used in the aerospace industry, are being applied to the design of bridges.
FRP composites are primarily made up of fibers aligned within a resin material in such a way to make a very strong and very customizable material.
FRB Deck Panels. Photo Credit: Composite Advantage
The most common fiber choices are glass and carbon fibers. In the use of bridge decking, FRP has been molded into cellular panels that can be installed as full-depth deck panels.
FRP deck panels are used as an alternative to cast-in-place concrete decks. They provide a driving surface for traffic
The panels are designed to interlock with male-female shear keys. Another option for connecting the panels is the use of high-quality epoxy adhesives. To connect the panels to the steel framing, pockets are formed over the beams to allow for welded stud shear connectors and non-shrink grout. Bolts can also be used to connect the panels to the steel framing.
FRP products have the benefits of high strength, low weight, high stiffness-to-weight ratio, and corrosion resistance. Efficiencies are gained by the deck being prepared in panels and in the transporting to job site and placing practices.
*Photo Credit: Composite Advantage
What is a bridge deck?
The decking system of a bridge can be defined as the surface upon which the traversing traffic drives. This is the surface which is used as a continuation of the driving surface on either side of the bridge.
Commonly, cast-in-place concrete is used as the method of placing a deck on a short span bridge, but due to the time of preparing formwork, it can be a very time-consuming process.
Prefabricated deck systems are some of the most commonly used applications of modular bridge technology.
Decks
Pennsylvania County Selects Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel for Urgent Bridge Project
For a recent bridge replacement, Mercer County chose a hot-dip galvanized steel bridge to ensure a durable, cost-effective solution that could be delivered quickly and withstand a corrosive environment.
Decks
FHWA Releases Orthotropic Steel Deck Guide
The guide simplifies the level of complexity to design, fabricate, and construct OSD bridges through Level 1 design.
Decks
12 Reasons to Use SPS Bridge Decks
The Sandwich Plate System is a structural composite material used for bridge decks that is up to 70% lighter than reinforced concrete.
Decks
Sandwich Plate System Deck
SPS is a structural material of two metal plates with a polyurethane elastomer core.
Decks
Steel Orthotropic Decks
Orthotropic decks are composed of a steel plate that is covered by a shop-installed roadway surface.
Decks
Partial Depth Precast Concrete Deck Panels
Partial-depth concrete panels span between girders and act as stay-in-place forms for cast-in-place concrete.