A method for constructing a composite bridge
superstructure of simple precast elements. According to the method, the bridge superstucture is comprised of one or more prestressed beams aligned substantially parallel to the bridge longitudinal axis. On top of the prestressed beams, there is placed a plurality of
full width, precast
deck slabs forming the
bridge deck, with the precast
deck slabs being transversely disposed side by side, with adjacent slabs attached by joints to complete the
bridge deck structure. The
deck slabs are spaced from the beams by spacing devices, such that a gap is left between the beams and the deck slabs and the
bridge deck structure is prestressed separately from the beams. Subsequent to the prestressing of the deck structure and the beams, the bridge deck structure is connected to the beams by a concrete layer cast in situ in the gap between the bottom face of the precast deck slabs and the top face of the prestressed beams. The concrete is preferably of the
low shrinkage type but normal shrinkage concrete may also be employed. The connection is further reinforced by a plurality of shear stirrups. The method is characterized by separate prestressing of the deck structure and the beams and by natural compression of the connecting concrete layer resulting in significant savings of construction time and costs. The construction sequence according to the method enables the deck structure as well as the cast in place concrete layer connecting the deck structure to the beams to undergo a natural compressing process due to time dependent
creep and shrinkage contraction of the beams relative to the connecting layer and the deck structure, thereby eliminating the need to apply additional prestressing. In addition, the substantially separate longitudinal prestressing of the deck structure and the beams is highly effective, achieving considerable saving of prestressing steel. The natural compressing of the deck structure and the cast-in-place concrete layer result in crack-free condition and better riding quality of the deck, thereby eliminating the well known drawbacks of additional prestressing, and saving maintenance costs.