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Performance and Improvement of Texas Poor Boy Continuous Bridge Deck Details: Final Report
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2025-03-01
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[PDF-55.00 MB]
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Edition:Final Report June 2019–August 2023
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Abstract:The majority of bridges in Texas are constructed with girders as simple spans. A simple-span deck requires expansion joints, which are sources of maintenance and durability issues. To avoid this, continuous decks, known as “poor boy joints” in Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) bridges, are an attractive option. These details are commonly known as link slabs. Despite a four-decade history of use, a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of this detailing has not been conducted. In this study, finite element modeling and full-scale experimental tests were used to conduct an evaluation of existing TxDOT continuous deck details and propose design recommendations. Both bonded and debonded link slabs were considered. While both types of link slabs have been investigated in the literature, the investigation presented in this report offers several unique aspects. Consideration of the use of partial-depth precast panels is crucial because the detailing of panels in the link slab region can have a significant influence on cracking in the link slab. Another area impacting the formation of damage is the presence of a crack former on the top and bottom of the deck, a detail commonly used in practice but not investigated via analysis or experimental testing. The experimental tests were full-scale tests and utilized two girder lines, a unique characteristic that allows for documentation of differences in damage in overhangs and between girder lines. Based on the findings of the experimental test program, this report provides design recommendations for limits on which bridges current TxDOT link slab details should be used, as well as recommendations for designs that utilize debonded link slabs, continuous panels, and a haunch gap at the end of the girder.
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