The primary goal of this proposal is to develop cost-effective standard open rib SOBD demonstrating similar performance as CRD.

The new design specifications for open rib SOBD to be developed in this study are expected to be incorporated into the AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications. Additional companion design guide for implementation of small and medium span bridges will be developed as AASHTO/NSBA Collaboration document. The research findings and standardization could be adopted by steel bridge fabricators for streamlining production, economizing fabrication, and competitive advantage.

The research could lead to the development of a catalogue of standard open rib SOBD that would further promote implementation of these decks for short and medium span highway bridges.