NTL Record

Title Case Study: Eliminating Bridge Joints with Link Slabs - An Overview of State Practices
Record ID 80987
Personal Name
Creator
Thorkildsen, Eric T.
Personal Name
Contributor
Lawndy, Laura; Ailaney, Raj
Corporate Creator Greenman-Pedersen
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Federal Highway Administration
Publisher United States. Federal Highway Administration
Publication Date 20201100
Language English
Abstract This case study presents an overview of the usage of link slabs to eliminate bridge joints. Representative state agency practices are reviewed. State procedures selected for review have either large numbers of installed link slabs, available design details, or innovative installation techniques. General background for link slab usage is presented followed by design approach, including design for prevention of concrete cracking. A tabular comparison of design and construction details is presented. Example details and an example rotation calculation for a link slab are provided. Results confirm that link slabs are an alternative to replacement or repair of bridge joints, but they need to be properly designed to accommodate redistribution of bridge loads and movements. This case study is not a design guidance document but rather a summation and comparison of how State DOTs are approaching the use of link slabs to eliminate bridge joints.
Rosap ID dot:56218
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/56218
TRT Terms Preservation; Joints; Bridges; Bridge decks; Slabs
General Subjects Link slabs; Bridge joints; Bridge preservation
Geographical
Coverage
United States
TRIS Online
Accession No
1776531
Contract Number DTFH61-13-A-00005
Report Number FHWA-HIF-20-062
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/80000/80900/80987/FHWA-HIF-20-062.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository