Full scale laboratory testing of replacement orthotropic deck for Verrazano Narrows Bridge

The proposed replacement orthotropic deck for the upper level of Verrazano Narrows Bridge consists of closed trapezoidal ribs with full depth internal bulkheads and incorporates shallow sub-floor beams with cutouts. Of particular concern with orthotropic decks is the possibility of in-service fatigue cracking from bulkhead/sub-floor beam-to-rib and rib-to-deck welds. Fatigue performance of the replacement orthotropic deck is being evaluated on a full scale prototype at the ATLSS Engineering Research Center, Lehigh University. The fatigue testing is being conducted using six actuators loaded in series, simulating the passage of AASHTO tandem axles for infinite life. A finite element model of the deck is analyzed to understand the complex behavior of the deck. The studies are providing critical information on issues related to fabrication, deck installation, design improvement and the effectiveness of the replacement deck design in achieving more than 100 years service life.