Advanced Composite Bridge Decking System—Project ASSET

Throughout the world, a significant percentage of reinforced concrete bridges are in a deteriorated state. The main reasons are inadequate cover, cracking of the concrete, leading to corrosion of the steel reinforcement and spalling of the surface concrete (worsened by the use of de-icing salts), inadequate initial detailing and the increase in traffic loads over time. The cost of reinstating or reconstruction of these bridge decks is economically prohibitive using conventional means, and would be equally prone to deterioration. Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge decks provide the possibility of a more durable, lightweight and easily installed alternative. To this end, project ASSET (a four-year EC-funded research programme) was initiated to develop an optimised FRP bridge deck system for deck replacement and new-build, culminating with the replacement of the West Mill bridge in Oxfordshire, UK. The ASSET system forms a complete deck system with associated parapet and street furniture fixing concepts for all situations. The detailed analysis and optimisation of the ASSET profile together with the design and practical issues for West Mill Bridge are described.