Which type of deck uses flat, thin steel plates stiffened with closely spaced longitudinal steel ribs and a wearing surface?

Which type of deck uses flat, thin steel plates stiffened with closely spaced longitudinal steel ribs and a wearing surface?

• A. Orthotropic Deck
• B. Composite Deck
• C. Timber Deck
• D. Steel Plate Deck

Answer: (A)

Orthotropic decks are built from flat, thin steel plates that act as the load-carrying surface. These plates are stiffened by closely spaced longitudinal ribs (stiffeners) that run along the length of the bridge, and a wearing surface is laid on top to provide a durable, smooth riding surface. This combination gives high stiffness and strength with relatively light weight, which is ideal for long-span bridges. The wearing surface protects the steel and provides good wear resistance, while the ribs transfer and distribute loads into the plates and into the supporting structure. That specific arrangement—thin steel plates plus longitudinal stiffeners and a wearing surface—defines an orthotropic deck.

Orthotropic decks are built from flat, thin steel plates that act as the load-carrying surface. These plates are stiffened by closely spaced longitudinal ribs (stiffeners) that run along the length of the bridge, and a wearing surface is laid on top to provide a durable, smooth riding surface. This combination gives high stiffness and strength with relatively light weight, which is ideal for long-span bridges. The wearing surface protects the steel and provides good wear resistance, while the ribs transfer and distribute loads into the plates and into the supporting structure. That specific arrangement—thin steel plates plus longitudinal stiffeners and a wearing surface—defines an orthotropic deck.