Precast Deck Slabs

Precast concrete deck panels can be used as an alternative to cast-in-place concrete decks, as they may reduce construction times associated with placing the deck in new bridge construction and deck reconstruction. Precast concrete deck panels are typically fabricated offsite, at a precasting plant that can provide optimal casting and curing conditions. As such, precast concrete deck panels are often more durable and more uniformly constructed than their cast-in-place counterparts because of the controlled fabrication environment and quality control offered at a precasting plant. Also, precast concrete deck panels have little or no shrinkage cracking since they are allowed to shrink and cure in an unrestrained condition. Precast concrete deck panels can be either full-depth or partial depth.

The use of both reinforced and prestressed precast concrete slab panels is permitted by Article 9.7.5 of the AASHTO LRFD (7th Edition, 2014). The depth of the slab, excluding any provisions for grinding, grooving, and sacrificial surface shall not be less than 7.0 inches.