Serviceability

The spacing of mild steel reinforcement in decks designed in accordance with the equivalent strip method must also satisfy crack control criteria per Article 5.7.3.4 of the AASHTO LRFD (7th Edition, 2014). This crack control criteria does not apply to deck slabs designed in accordance with the empirical design method. However, no matter which design method is used, the cantilever portion of the deck slab must also satisfy the requirements of Article 5.7.3.4.

Also, reinforcement for shrinkage and temperature stresses should be provided near the surfaces of concrete exposed to daily temperature changes. Therefore, the reinforcement at each surface, in at least one direction of the deck, should meet the requirements of Article 5.10.8 of the AASHTO LRFD (7th Edition, 2014).