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Washington, DC 20590
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Bridges & Structures

Comprehensive Design Example for Prestressed Concrete (PSC) Girder Superstructure Bridge

3. Flow Charts


Deck Slab Design Flow Chart Text

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  1. Assume a deck slab thickness based on girder spacing and width of girder top flange (Design Step 4.2)
  2. Determine the location of the critical section for negative moment based on the girder top flange width (S4.6.2.1.6) (Design Step 4.6)
  3. Determine live load positive and negative moments (A4) (Design Step 4.7)
  4. Determine dead load positive and negative moment (Design Step 4.8 and 4.9)
  5. Determine factored moments (S3.4) (Design Step 4.8)
  6. Design main reinforcement for flexure (S5.7.3)
  7. Determine longitudinal distribution reinforcement (S9.7.3.2) (Design Step 4.12)
  8. For Slabs on Continuous Beams:

    Steel beam - Determine area of longitudinal reinforcement in the deck in negative moment regions of the girders (S6.10.3.7). Concrete Simple Spans Made Continuous for Live Load - Determine the longitudinal slab reinforcement at intermediate pier areas during the design of the girders (S5.14.1.2.7b)

  9. Determine strip width for overhang (S4.6.2.1.3) or where applicable, use S3.6.1.3.4 (Design Step 4.10)
  10. Determine railing load resistance and rail moment resistance at its base (S13.3)
  11. Design overhang reinforcement for vehicular collision with railing + DL (Case 1 and Case 2 of SA13.4.1)
  12. Determine factored moments from DL + LL on the overhang (Case 3 of SA13.4.1)
  13. Design overhang reinforcement for DL + LL
  14. Determine the controlling case for overhang reinforcement, Case 1, Case 2 or Case 3
  15. Detail reinforcement (Design Step 4.11)

END.

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Updated: 06/27/2017
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000