Use of aluminum alloys in bridge engineering - Deck shape design

Abstract

The article aims at the use of lightweight aluminum alloy decks in bridge engineering and presents the advantages of their increasing application. The article also highlights the properties affecting the durability and compressibility of aluminum alloys. Next, the article covers the assets of the aluminum alloy box-section decks. Low weight, durability, resistance to operating conditions, fatigue life and ease of geometric shape design are the virtues that made them more commonly applied for bridges and footbridges. Difficult operating conditions and the complexity of stresses, the requirement for frequent inspections and maintenance, the diversity of dimensions as well as geometric and structural solutions in bridge engineering are behind the search for the latest solutions. Bridges, as strategic structures designed for transportation, forwarding and logistics, also require minimisation of traffic problems in the event of a lane shut-down for the time of repair. The use of prefabricated aluminum decks reduces load, time and energy consumption and improves working methods. The functional and light aluminum alloy decks, combinable with a durable polymer surface, create new possibilities for the shape design of the existing upgraded bridges. Overcoming the limitations of concrete and steel supporting structures allows replacing, enlarging, widening or even adding new road lanes. The environmental aspect of the use of recycled materials in production has also been raised here. The article presents concrete examples of renovation of the existing wooden, steel and reinforced concrete bridge structures with alternative aluminum alloy decks.