For retrofitting, the bearings allows the designer and contractor to keep the original structure without having to add shear supports to walls, columns, and connections, which, in many cases, are costly, difficult, and undesirable. Adding the bearings at the base minimizes the need to modify the shape and appearance, while providing protection against the earthquake. For new construction, the bearings increase the reliability and safety of a facility that may save not only repair costs and lives but can also maintain mission-critical functions. Giant Hwy., Bldg. Its main benefit is elimination of the source of deterioration, the steel reinforcing bars in slabs exposed to deicing salts.
Shear connectors make the steel-free concrete deck composite with the steel girders that support it.
Top flanges of girders attempt to displace outward when a truck drives across the deck. In response, compressive membrane forces develop in the concrete deck. Ultimate load can be greater than the load at which the same deck would fail if it were reinforced conventionally. In fact, the tension capacity of the steel straps in the steel-free deck replaces conventional reinforcing steel. The external steel straps can be inspected and maintained in a similar fashion to steel girders.