Testing in isolation of transverse confining systems for steel-free deck slabs

The provisions of the forthcoming Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code are noted for the design of the external transverse confining system for steel-free deck slabs of girder bridges; according to these provisions, the transverse straps comprising the confining system are required to have a certain minimum axial stiffness, and their connection strength with the deck slab is also specified. The axial stiffness of the straps and their connection strength were studied with the help of pull-out tests on mirror-image models of isolated segments of the deck slab and four different types of strap systems. Three of the tested systems were found to be adequate, and the fourth was considered inadequate because of insufficient connection strength.