Jointless bridges are advantageous in removing mechanical joints which are a known cause of bridge deterioration. Elimination of joints provides a smoother riding surface and removes the possibility of de-icing salts penetrating the deck and corroding the deck reinforcing and underlying bridge superstructure. Jointless bridges are traditionally constructed by monolithically casting the entire bridge deck on beams after they have been erected. However, this process requires extensive in-field formwork and lengthy traffic closures. The Texas Department of Transportation proposes a new method of constructing jointless bridges using prefabricated girder-and-deck units connected on-site with cast-in-place closure pours. This new system will expedite construction and reduce disturbances to the traveling public. The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the behavior of the cast-in-place closure pour slab and to determine if it responds to wheel loads in the same way as a traditional monolithic continuous deck. The effects of the cold joints and discontinuous steel details are the focus of the research work.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the performance history of continuous bridge decks in the State of Georgia, to determine why the current design detail works, to recommend a new design detail if necessary, and to recommend the maximum and/or optimum lengths of continuous bridge decks. The continuous bridge decks have continuous reinforcement over the junction of two edge beams with a construction joint for crack control. The current technical literature and current practices and design procedures were synthesized and summarized. GDOT maintenance reports were reviewed, and field evaluations were conducted to determine the performance of the continuous deck detail. The effects of bridge movement due to thermal strains, shrinkage, and live loads were considered in the analytical studies to better understand the demands placed on the GDOT continuous deck detail. A summary of the design and length recommendations was provided upon completion of the research.