EMPERICAL DESIGN OF DECK SLAB

The Empirical Design Method is based on laboratory testing of deck slabs.

This testing indicates that the loads on the deck are transmitted

to the supporting components mainly through arching action in the deck,

not through shears and moments as assumed by traditional design.

Certain limitations on the geometry of the deck are listed in S9.7.2.
Once these limitations are satisfied, the specifications give reinforcement ratios

for both the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement for both layers
of deck reinforcement.
No other design calculations are required for the interior portions of the deck.

The overhang region is then designed for vehicular collision with the railing system and for

dead and live loads acting on the deck.

The Empirical Design Method requires less reinforcement in the interior

portions of the deck than the Approximate Method.

C9.7.2.1

All available test data indicate that the factor of safety

of a deck designed by the flexural method specified in the

16th edition of the AASHTO Standard Specifications,

working stress design, is at least 10.0. Tests indicate a

comparable factor of safety of about 8.0 for an empirical

design. Therefore, even the empirical design possesses an

extraordinary reserve strength.

9.7.2.4 Design Conditions

SHALL TO READ IT

9.7.2.5 Reinforcement Requirements

*) Four layers of isotropic reinforcement shall be provided in empirically designed slabs.

*) Reinforcement shall be located as close to the outside surfaces as permitted by

cover requirements.

*) Reinforcement shall be provided in each face of the slab with the outermost layers

placed in the direction of the effective length.

*) The minimum amount of reinforcement shall be 0.570 mm2/mm of steel for

each bottom layer

 BOTTM LAYERS 𝑨𝑺 𝐦𝐢𝐧 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟕 𝒎𝒎𝟐/𝒎𝒎

*) 0.380 mm2/mm of steel for each top layer

TOP LAYERS 𝑨𝑺 𝐦𝐢𝐧 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟖 𝒎𝒎𝟐/𝒎𝒎

*) Spacing of steel shall not exceed 450 mm.

*) Reinforcing steel shall be Grade 420 or better.

*) All reinforcement shall be straight bars, except that hooks may be

provided where required.

The overhang should be designed for:

  Wheel loads for decks with discontinuous railings and barriers using

the equivalent strip method,

  Equivalent line load for decks with continuous barriers specified in

Article 3.6.1.3.4, and

  Collision loads using a failure mechanism as specified in Article A13.2.