The primary goal of this proposal is to leverage the testing being conducted by FHWA within the BEAST lab to develop a better understanding of the demands for which bridge decks are exposed to in service. The hope is that this work will ultimately contribute to improved design/material/construction approaches to produce more durable bridge decks.

The intended outcome of the project is to determine the role of temperature gradients on structural response and deck stress. This knowledge will provide more accurate estimation of deck demands and ensure that new designs properly account for temperature effects thereby resulting in more durable bridge decks that are less prone to cracking. Results of this research will be presented to AASHTO for possible revision of bridge design specification. Results will also be made available to DOTs for incorporation into their design methodologies.