Decking
After the arches have been positioned, the first FRP decking panel can be connected to the arches. The lighter FRP deck sections (as shown below) can be handled by the crew without special equipment.
Shown above, when the heavier FRP decking is used in lieu of a reinforced concrete deck slab, a light crane will be necessary during deck installation (a deck panel weighs 500 lbs versus less than 150 lbs for the lighter deck).
Special care is needed in positioning the first panel level using a transit. The panels are then attached to the arches using specified stainless steel fasteners along the spine of the arch. The panel side lap uses grommet fasteners as specified (lighter decking only). A battery drill with clutch is required since care must be taken not to strip holes when fastening the deck.
After positioning the first panel, the operation is continuous from one abutment to the other. As the final panel is set, the free to-move arch ends are fixed into the rebar tie. As a reminder, one of the arch ends is fixed in the abutment before paneling operation begins whereas the opposite end is free to move, to account for slight variations in arch geometry.
In some situations, the panels above the abutments (first and last) are temporarily removed to facilitate in the abutment concrete placement.
On skewed bridges, the ends of the panels are then cut parallel to the end arches using a reciprocating saw and portable grinder. Care must be taken not to damage the end arches during this operation.
TOOL CHECKLIST
A. Laser/Transit Level for measuring elevations
B. Portable generator for small tools
C. Battery operated drills with clutch adjustment with back-up batteries (including drill, screw and hole saw attachments).
D. Circular saw
E. Reciprocating saw with wood and carbide tip blades (used to cut deck panels)
F. Extension and step ladders
G. Standard concrete finishing tools
H.Standard construction small tools