This thesis documents the fabrication, testing techniques, and response of a plastic scale model of an orthotropic bridge deck. To economically investigate a two-lane steel bridge deck, plastic AcrylicR was used as a modeling material. Welds were simulated with dichloromethane, a capillary action solvent, and PS-30, a polymerizable cement. Deflections were measured with laboratory dial guages while strains were monitored with strain guages mounted on the deck. The response of the deck to AASHO vehicle axle loads was compared with a discrete element computer program used to analyze orthotropic bridge decks continuous over flexible supports. Results indicate good correlation between measured and computed values for deflection and strains.

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